New Orleans Saints: 3 Standouts from Week 1 vs. Texans

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 09: Wide receiver Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Bradley Roby #21 of the Houston Texans at Mercedes Benz Superdome on September 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 09: Wide receiver Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Bradley Roby #21 of the Houston Texans at Mercedes Benz Superdome on September 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 09: Ted Ginn #19 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a first down against the Houston Texans at Mercedes Benz Superdome on September 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 09: Ted Ginn #19 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a first down against the Houston Texans at Mercedes Benz Superdome on September 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

3. WR Ted Ginn

A year ago, New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver Michael Thomas led the National Football League with 125 receptions. On Monday night against the Houston Texans, the productive performer was targeted 13 times and finished with a game-high 10 receptions for 123 yards. He certainly made his mark during the team’s two-point win.

More from NFL Spin Zone

But in the second half and on the game-winning drive, quarterback Drew Brees turned to veteran speedster Ted Ginn on more than one occasion. The 13-year pro wound up catching all seven throws his way, good for 101 yards. And after being targeted just once in the first half on Monday night, the big-play wide receiver found his grove in the final two quarters.

Ginn’s second-half receptions covered 11, 10, 11, 41, 15 and nine yards, respectively. With just 37 seconds remaining and the Saints trailing by one point, Brees connected on all three of his throws to put his team into Wil Lutz’s field goal range. Two of those throws went to Ginn and he came through in each instance.

The Saints have their share of young and exciting skill players in Thomas, Kamara, versatile quarterback Taysom Hill and second-year wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith. And they also have Ginn, who made a huge impact in the club’s thrilling win over the Texans.