New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas took a veiled shot at veteran quarterback Drew Brees and his lack of arm strength on Sunday while watching the NFC Championship Game.
After failing to record a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week during the team's loss in the divisional round, Thomas appeared to suggest that it was Brees' inability to throw the ball down the field that allowed the defense to smother him in coverage.
Clearly, Thomas won't be among those mourning should Brees decide to retire.
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After accruing 149 receptions last season to go along with nine touchdowns and over 1,700 yards, Thomas entered the 2020 NFL season widely regarded as one of the best offensive weapons in the game. Unfortunately for the Saints, Thomas could not duplicate his all-world performance from last year while putting up career lows in catches, yards, and games played. His career seemed to reach a low-point during the match against Tampa Bay when he not only failed to record a catch but could not create separation amidst the secondary and was only targeted by Brees four times.
According to Thomas, however, his lack of success is as much Brees' fault as his own.
With the quarterback no longer possessing the arm strength to stretch the defense and provide his receivers added space to operate, Thomas pointed out that this allowed defensive backs to anticipate the action and work on the inside zone. Though he may have a point when it comes to the Saints offense's predictability and the effect it had on his production, it also doesn't excuse the degree to which he was rendered a non-factor against the Bucs.
If Thomas is to return to the form that once made him a superstar, he'll have to find ways to succeed regardless of who is under center.
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