Despite the shortcomings evident in the Saints’ offense last season, there were a few bright spots that emerged, and one of them was rookie wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. Making his mark during the midpoint of the 2022 campaign, Shaheed showcased his talent and potential. Prior to his debut, the former standout from Weber State had been diligently rehabilitating from a college injury. In Week 6, he finally stepped onto the field against the Cincinnati Bengals and wasted no time making an impact. On his very first possession in the NFL, Shaheed electrified the game with a 44-yard touchdown score on an end-around play.
Although the game ultimately ended in a loss, one of the silver linings was the discovery of a hidden gem in Shaheed. The New Orleans Saints have a remarkable track record of unearthing underrated talent at the receiver position, with notable success stories including Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Willie Snead, and the recently departed Deonte Hardy. Could Shaheed follow in their footsteps? The possibility is highly likely. Throughout the remainder of the 2022 season, Shaheed emerged as one of the few shining lights amidst the Saints’ struggles, providing fans with numerous highlights and displaying his prowess as a playmaker.
In the following game against the Arizona Cardinals, Shaheed continued to impress, hauling in a 53-yard bomb from Andy Dalton to put the Saints on the scoreboard early. Despite another disappointing loss, both Shaheed and Chris Olave stood out as positive takeaways. By the end of the 2022 season, the undrafted wideout had accumulated 488 yards on 28 receptions, showcasing his ability to make an impact on the field.
Looking ahead, the question arises: What can we expect from Shaheed in his encore performance? Insight into his expected role has been gleaned from voluntary OTAs, where he revealed his plans to primarily work from the slot position while fellow teammates Michael Thomas and Chris Olave operate on the outside. When Thomas is at full health, he is widely recognized as one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, exemplified by his impressive Week 1 performance against the Falcons last season. Thomas’s presence on the field demands significant attention from defenses, and the combination of Olave and Shaheed’s ability to separate from defenders adds an element of unpredictability to the Saints’ offensive attack.
In previous years, the Saints have often lacked reliable secondary options in the passing game, with Thomas shouldering much of the load. However, with injuries impacting their star receiver, the passing offense experienced considerable setbacks. If Thomas can maintain his health for a substantial portion of the upcoming season, it will undoubtedly benefit both Shaheed and Olave. Shaheed has displayed versatility and demonstrated various ways he can contribute based on last season’s footage. With Thomas frequently drawing double teams, it creates opportunities for Shaheed to showcase his playmaking abilities by exploiting mismatches from the slot position.
When envisioning the potential of the New Orleans Saints’ receiver group, the trio of Rashid Shaheed operating from the slot, along with the formidable threats of Michael Thomas and Chris Olave on the outside, poses a significant challenge for opposing defenses. Shaheed’s agility and versatility in the slot allow him to create separation and take advantage of mismatches. Meanwhile, Thomas, renowned for his precise route-running and reliable hands, demands attention as a top-tier receiver. On the other side, Olave’s speed and ability to make big plays add another layer of danger for opposing defensive backfields.
The diverse skill sets and playmaking abilities of this receiver group compel defenses to strategize on how to allocate their resources in coverage. Double-teaming Thomas or Olave creates opportunities for Shaheed to exploit the middle of the field, while neglecting any of them risks surrendering a significant play or pivotal third-down conversion. To effectively account for all three wideouts, opposing defenses must demonstrate astuteness and strategic planning, as any lapses in coverage could result in explosive plays and substantial gains for the Saints’ offense.
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