New Orleans, LA – October 23, 2023
In a shocking turn of events, superstar wide receiver Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints has been suspended for two games by the PML commissioner team after a sideline altercation with running back Jamaal Williams during a blowout victory over the Indianapolis Colts where Williams refused to go down and instead caught a screen pass and ran in for a touchdown that many viewed as unsportsmanlike, including his teammates like Chris Olave. While Williams was not suspended, the Saints announced that he has been benched indefinitely as a result of his involvement in the incident as he didn’t start the altercation but they don’t condone the poor display of sportsmanship. This news comes as a significant blow to the Saints, who have been heavily relying on Olave’s outstanding performances to drive their offense to an elite level.
The suspension means that Chris Olave will be forced to sit out two crucial upcoming games against the Minnesota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons. These games carry significant playoff implications, with the Vikings being a conference rival fighting for their playoff lives and the Falcons hailing from the same division as the Saints where New Orleans currently holds a slim lead. The Vikings did ship away assets at the trade deadline and are 1-4 in their last 5 games but have a coach known for his turnarounds in the second half of seasons. The Falcons, meanwhile, sent two first round picks and a second round pick for Jaylen Waddle and are going all in on offense and speeding up their rebuild. They are 2-1 since the trade and are pressing for the NFC South with a 2-0 inter division record compared to the Saints 0-2.
Olave’s absence will undoubtedly leave a void in the Saints’ offense. The young wide receiver had recently ascended to superstardom, becoming a pivotal piece of the team’s success. The Saints will now have to look to veteran wide receivers Michael Thomas and Sammy Watkins to step up in Olave’s absence. Additionally, rookie A.T. Perry is expected to take on a more significant role in the offense the same way he did when Olave was previously injured for the majority of two games early on in the season. He had 14 catches for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns in those two games. Sammy Watkins wasn’t on the team for those contests, but Michael Thomas did contribute 12 catches for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns in Olave’s previous absence.
To compensate for the loss of Olave, there is speculation that the Saints may shift their offensive strategy to incorporate the tight end position more prominently. Players like Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill, and Foster Moreau are expected to see increased snaps in the coming games. Johnson is already the saints second leading receiver despite missing multiple games to injury early on, New Orleans believes he could be an elite player at the position and help deliver in the red zone and on third downs. Taysom Hill has also been regarded as the team MVP so far despite a lack of stats thanks to his blocking, hustle, and energy. Foster Moreau is yet to contribute much but this could be his chance.
Another concern for the Saints is how Olave’s suspension will impact their strong running game. In their last victory, the Saints’ ground attack was a key strength, but Olave’s presence often drew defensive attention away from the run game. Without him on the field, opponents may be more likely to stack the box to stifle the run, a situation reminiscent of the challenges faced by the Miami Dolphins following the trade of Jaylen Waddle. Could we see more deep shots or wide receiver screens to keep the defense honest? Or do the Saints trust their scheme, offensive line, and Alvin Kamara to make it work however it looks.
The suspension of Chris Olave raises questions about the Saints’ ability to maintain their elite level of performance without their elite wide receiver in the lineup. In the coming weeks, they will need to adapt and find new strategies to keep their playoff and division crown hopes alive in a highly competitive NFL season. This is a nice mid-season test of adversity that could prepare them for future hardships if they persevere.
