New Orleans Saints: Willie Snead suspension can’t end soon enough

A poor offensive performance in week 1 proves the New Orleans Saints need Willie Snead back and nothing can fill the gap he left.

Just days before the Saints season-opener, news came of Willie Snead’s suspension. Arrested over the summer for DUI, Snead’s suspension was reduced from four to three games. The New Orleans Saints struggled in Weeks 1 and 2, proving the receiver’s worth to the team and especially to Drew Brees.

Looking back at last season, Snead was a large part of their offensive attack. While he was overshadowed by Cooks and Thomas, he was one of Brees’ go-to guys. He finished the season with 72 receptions for 895 yards and four touchdowns.

While not as impressive as his 2015 campaign, Snead had Thomas to compete against. He did manage to get a lot of looks from Brees, though, and even threw a touchdown pass. With Cooks gone, all eyes were on Snead and the possibility of a breakout season. Talks derailed shortly after his suspension was announced.

Everyone, including the Saints themselves, is realizing how big a role Snead plays in the offense. Looking at Week 1, the Saints shifted their focus to the run and to no avail. Their stacked group of Ingram, Peterson and Kamara couldn’t even muster up 200 yards. It was hard to watch and felt out of the team’s element.

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Even the receivers in Week 1 didn’t look too hot. Newcomer Ted Ginn Jr. finished the game with four receptions for 53 yards while Thomas was stifled to just five receptions for 45 yards. The lone touchdown of the game came via a late drive to Coby Fleener to allow the Saints a 19-29 loss.

The Saints are truly lacking without Snead. A lot of fans were missing Snead especially during Week 1 when they tweeted about how “he would’ve caught it” or “he would have run a better route.” The team also suffered from a bad performance from their offensive line and the eventual loss of veteran Zach Streif as well as a poor running game. Week 1 was just a mess.

As for Week 2, it was less of a mess — but still messy nonetheless. Trying to keep pace with the Patriots proved impossible for New Orleans. Though Brees had his moments, it was clear that the offense was missing an extra gear that would’ve helped make them a more respectable foe for New England.

The Saints inability to find the end zone, in Week 1 especially, would have been relived had Snead been there. Snead is great for those much-needed third-down conversions and in the red zone. He’s a smart and athletic guy who knows how to trick defenders and makes great catches when under pressure.

As disappointing as it may be, Snead is getting help after his arrest. It’s a small victory but one fans should applaud Snead for. Either way, Snead is a valuable member of the Saints offense and getting him back against the Dolphins will bring some much-needed depth.

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Hopefully, with Snead’s return will come the dominant offense we’re used to seeing. Snead might have seemed like a WR3 or WR4 with Ginn, but he’s firmly become the WR2 without even playing. Once the Saints get him back, there’s no telling what could happen.