Position Spotlight: WR & TE
 

Good analysis by Tripp.

New Orleans Saints position spotlight: Receivers/tight ends - ESPN


My take: The disappearance of the Saints’ downfield passing game has become the biggest concern for this offense dating back to last year. While I’ve stressed that I don’t see any real signs of decline with quarterback Drew Brees, I think we are seeing regression with receivers Colston and Meachem. Those two are hardly the only problem, but the Saints will need better production from all of their receivers going forward -- especially if Graham is sidelined for a significant amount of time with a shoulder injury (he's expected to be highly questionable for this week at Detroit).

ESPN scouting Insider Matt Williamson’s take: “[The lack of downfield passing] is surprising. I think Graham is Graham, and he’s still great, and without him they’d be really hurting. I think Colston might be done. I’m not seeing Colston get separation. He never was the quickest or fastest to begin with. He relied on body positioning and routes and hands. And he’s not getting enough space. I think that’s a worry. I think Cooks is a work in progress, but he’s an obvious talent. I still have high hopes for Stills and really liked him last year. I just wonder if he’s taking time to get healthy. I wonder if it’s an injury thing with him.”

Re: Position Spotlight: WR & TE
 

The Saints have Cooks, Morgan and Stills, three burners that can take the top off the defense. I don't know why they're not chucking it down field more often. Even if they don't make a completion, just throwing deep a couple times per game will; at the least, back the safeties up and make things a little less conjested in the middle.

Re: Position Spotlight: WR & TE
 

Agreed with the raised points.

We really need a difference maker at WR, Cooks may develop into that but we aren't targeting him on any deep routes at all.
Unfortunately I believe he may be right about Colston which is tough to say because the guy is such a saints legend, he's never relied on speed before but his hands have deteriorated and we were one booth review away from losing the bucs game on another colston fumble.

It's disappointing that Toon can hardly crack the lineup when most our receivers are underachieving, as for Morgan, one hit wonder maybe?

We could really do with a big time receiver but we also have so many needs on defense

I watched the bengals vs panthers game and Mohammed Sanu really stood out, speed guy that catches the check down passes well and has good run after the catch.

Re: Position Spotlight: WR & TE
 

I'm hoping Jones and Coleman can develop quickly, and I could see us once again ignoring LB and taking a WR in the 1st 2 rounds.

Re: Position Spotlight: WR & TE
 

WR keepers
Brandin Cooks - we still are waiting for him to be used as a WR. till then he will be easy to defend
Kenny Stills - sophomore slump? or have teams got him figured? slot a better home for him?
Marques Colston dead money is the only reason to keep him.

the rest can be replaced at the drop of a hat.

A true #1 would reshape this entire unit and put players in their correct positions.
#1
#2 Colston
slot Stills and Cook

but i do not see that happening
so a solid #2 that loves to go across the middle and mix it up.

Re: Position Spotlight: WR & TE
 

Do you think Coach is thinking the same thing? Is the problem not
Drew's ability to throw long but our receivers inability to get separation or come down with the ball in a tight spot. Remember when Drew would throw his receivers open?

Re: Position Spotlight: WR & TE
 

Re: Position Spotlight: WR & TE
 

I think losing Lance Moore has impacted our passing success more than some realize. The guy was quick, agile, knew how to get open, and had great hands. There's nobody in the WR core filling those shoes. I think Brandin Cooks can fill that gap eventually but right now he's just not all-around as good as Moore was in the WR role.

Re: Position Spotlight: WR & TE
 

The Saints simply don't have a legit #1 WR.

Re: Position Spotlight: WR & TE
 

Cooks has 255 yards in the first 5 games.

In 9 seasons Moore only went over 250 yards in the first 5 games once.