There’s a joke trending in the world of sports betting, “Who will be the leading receiver in New Orleans Week One? Alvin Kamara.” At first glance, the Saints receiving corps appears lackluster, but this cast is actually shimmering with potential behind Jameis Winston, who threw for over 5,000 yards in his last season as a starter. The young receiving crew, sans Michaels Thomas, has tempting Week One upside.
New Orleans’ offensive line is a stalwart, heavy with protective talent for Winston. They were eighth on Pro Football Focus’ 2021 rankings entering the season. And with the skill the Saints have at running back, there will be plenty of open shots downfield for Winston. Sean Payton is a much more disciplined coach than Bruce Arians (for Winston) and the often-criticized gunslinger could have a surprisingly accurate season under Payton’s play calling.
Tre’Quan Smith
Tre’Quan Smith would have been the obvious number one receiver for New Orleans starting the season had it not been for the cryptic injuries that have kept him sidelined for much of training camp and the preseason games. Originally listed as a leg injury August 3, Smith’s ailment is now “undisclosed” and he hasn’t practiced consistently.
It is worth noting, however, that Tre’Quan Smith came alive in the Saint’s last game played, their playoff loss to Tampa Bay. Tre’Quan caught two touchdown passes in that game, including a 56-yard shot from Winston. That happened to be the only touchdown Winston threw in the few snaps he got last year, and he will surely remember it when he’s out there Sunday.
Marquez Callaway
Embed from Getty ImagesThe preseason chemistry between Winston and second-year Saints’ receiver Marquez Callaway seems to be the light at the end of the injury tunnel for the New Orleans offense. After Marquez’s impressive preseason match against Jacksonville, Winston publicly expressed his confidence in him as a teammate, “I think he’s just an incredible football player…. he has no fear in his heart. He has elite energy.”
So, while Callaway may not be listed as the current number one wideout for the Saints, he’s certainly earned the consensus for the spot at least in Week One. But don’t get overly excited over Callaway this week. Unfortunately, he’s going to be tracked by Jaire Alexander, Green Bay’s Pro-Bowl and second year All-Pro cornerback. As much as I’d like to bank on Callaway, the coverage he’ll be under is cause for some concern.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey & Dionte Harris
We can’t forget Lil’Jordan. Neither will Winston; after all, Humphrey is actually a very big man. The 6’4, 225-pound receiver also wowed in preseason and will play a decent in role this week, especially if Smith doesn’t end up starting. Deonte Harris will most likely take snaps out of the slot for the Saints. Nickle corner for the Packers Chandon Sullivan is far outmatched by Harris in speed, but the match-up seems well-rounded considering Winston’s iffy history.
Adam Trautman & Juwan Johnson
Adam Trautman was looking like a crucial piece of the offense before his ankle injury and it is unclear whether or not he’ll be starting in Week One. The third-round draft pick in 2019 went under the radar last season as he was primarily used for blocking, but he proved efficient, catching 15/16 of his targets. Trautman will have a key role this season, but doubtfully will it begin Sunday. The real person of interest in the Saints offense is Juwan Johnson.
Wide receiver turned tight end, Johnson will be a tempting target for Winston with his size and versatility. Johnson caught three passes on five targets for 80 yards in two preseason games. Plus, Payton loves throwing giant receivers into the slot for occasional big plays (think Michael Thomas, Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham) and I can’t help wonder if it won’t be Johnson who fills that role this season.
Maybe the joke will be on us, and Kamara really will lead the Saints in receptions and/or receiving yards Week One, but I’m pretty skeptical of such an outcome. My money is on Johnson this week, but anyone of these emerging pass catchers could have an electric connection with Winston. With the odds at a total of 50 points and Green Bay only favored by three, this game is predicted to be the fourth-highest scoring matchup of the week, and the Saints really are quite primed for battle.
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