As the New Orleans Saints prepare to face the Denver Broncos in Week 7's "Thursday Night Football," they face the daunting task of doing so without several key players. Among the sidelined are star wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, quarterback Derek Carr, offensive guard Cesar Ruiz, and wide receiver Chris Olave—an absence noticed more due to Shaheed's remarkable performance stretch early in the 2024 season before injury struck.
An Explosive Start Cut Short
Rashid Shaheed's 2024 season was abruptly ended by a knee injury, requiring surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The news devastated fans and the team alike, considering Shaheed's explosive form up to that point. The 26-year-old, emerging undrafted from Weber State, managed to make an indelible mark in the league, most notably with a Pro Bowl nod and a first-team All-Pro selection in 2023 as a punt returner.
In 2024, Shaheed was proving to be an invaluable offensive weapon for the Saints. He scored three receiving touchdowns in the first six games and showcased remarkable efficiency, averaging 17.5 yards per catch. This impressive average was second among players with at least 20 receptions, underscoring his importance in stretching defenses. Furthermore, his ability as a return specialist came to light as he led the league with an average of 15.9 yards per punt return.
The Big-Play Threat
Shaheed's propensity for big plays was indisputable. In 2024, he scored four touchdowns of 40 yards or longer, a testament to his speed and play-making abilities. Among these, three were receiving touchdowns, highlighting his dual threat capabilities. One of the season's memorable moments came in Week 2 when he notched a 70-yard receiving touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys, a spectacular display of athleticism and skill.
The Saints' Offensive Challenges
With Shaheed and Olave, who together accounted for a significant 50.4% of the Saints' receiving yards, both missing, the offensive landscape for New Orleans in Week 7 looks challenging. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler is tasked with leading the Saints' offense against a Broncos defense that, even without All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, remains formidable. Surtain, sidelined with a concussion, boasts a league-best opponent passer rating of just 14.7. His absence certainly offers a glimmer of hope for a depleted Saints offense.
Looking to Rattler and New Faces
In this atmosphere of hopeful anticipation, Spencer Rattler gets his chance to prove himself on the NFL stage. His performance will be pivotal in navigating the Saints through this injury-plagued period. How the team's coaching staff adapts the game plan to leverage its remaining strengths will be under scrutiny. This situation presents a significant test not only for Rattler but also for the depth of the Saints' roster.
As the Saints adapt to the absence of key players, the opportunity arises for new heroes to emerge. Against a Broncos team also facing its own challenges in the secondary, can the Saints' supporting cast step up to fill the void? Success in this matchup may well hinge on their adaptability and resilience, quintessential traits for a team with playoff aspirations.
While Shaheed's season may have ended prematurely, his performance left a lasting impression and set a benchmark for others to aspire to within the Saints' ranks. As the franchise moves past this obstacle, they will draw inspiration from his legacy of defying odds and performing at the highest level, an ethos that will undoubtedly shape their approach for the remainder of the season.