NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 05: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints in action during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Michael Thomas deserves a lot of credit for his maturity level
Thomas got in a fight with a teammate at practice last week, leading to the Saints declaring him out of their eventual Monday Night Football win over the Los Angeles Chargers. It wasn’t the Ohio State product’s finest moment, as his altercation with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson put New Orleans in a precarious spot. Drew Brees is already descending at a rapid pace, and if you take away his favorite target, that’ll only make matters worse. Thomas also reportedly got into a war of words with Sean Payton, but such a report has been disputed.
Regardless of his drama with the Saints, it would appear to be nearing a close. Football tends to mend those fences, and the Saints need Thomas — who doesn’t have a track record of this activity — to reach their ultimate goal. Thomas seems to now understand that this is bigger than him.
Thomas’ return would have a dramatic effect on the Saints offense
Brees downfield throwing ability isn’t what it used to be, making Thomas ability in the short passing game all the more viable. Thomas excels at catching underneath throws and making something happen after the catch. The Saints need this more than ever now, hoping to pair Thomas with Alvin Kamara, who has stepped up in his absence.
Thomas tweet shows a level of understanding that was previously missing. It’s up to him to get past those who wish to knock him down. Thomas is an All-Pro talent. Who cares what Chauncey Gardner-Johnson thinks?
The Saints remaining strength of schedule is among the easiest in the NFL entering Week 6. If Thomas can get back on track, they’re in a great spot.