Chris Olave aims to be a consistent playmaker for the Saints

New Orleans Saints wide receiver, Chris Olave, is making waves in his second year in the NFL. Olave has been making highlight-reel plays with eye-catching toe-tap receptions, leaping grabs, and one-handed circus catches that have garnered attention. The 23-year-old leads the Saints in receptions (32) and receiving yards (414), showcasing his talent.

Teammate Rashid Shaheed attributes Olave’s success to his dedication and practice. Olave spent a significant amount of time during the offseason perfecting difficult catches, which now look effortless on the field. His ability to make challenging plays look simple highlights his exceptional talent.

As the Saints prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on “Thursday Night Football,” Olave has an opportunity to display his playmaking skills in prime time. The Saints’ offense has been struggling, ranking 20th in yards per game and 24th in points. Olave believes the team has the weapons to be explosive, but they need to piece it all together.

Teammate Michael Thomas commends Olave for his desperation plays, where he thrives under pressure. Thomas believes every player on the team should adopt this sense of urgency and consistently make such plays. Olave’s recent catch over a defender’s head in their loss to the Houston Texans serves as an example of the type of plays the team needs to make more frequently.

Despite his success, Olave recognizes that progress hasn’t always been linear this season. Alongside his impressive performances, he has also faced setbacks. The low point came in their loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4, where he recorded only one catch, his worst offensive performance since his freshman year at Ohio State.

Olave admits that he struggled to handle the disappointment. However, he has learned from the experience and is working on controlling his emotions when things don’t go well. He understands the importance of staying focused and not letting his emotions get the best of him. Olave’s teammates, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, have also provided guidance and advice, reminding him to handle adversity with composure.

Olave feels that he took a step forward in their victory against the New England Patriots in Week 5, despite having limited production. He scored his lone touchdown of the season in that game and celebrated with a dance, showing his resilience. He acknowledges that not every game will result in a 100-yard performance but emphasizes the importance of contributing to the team’s success.

Wide receiver coach Kodi Burns recognizes Olave’s high expectations for himself and his desire for consistent production. However, Burns advises Olave to understand that opportunities in the NFL are limited compared to college and to make the most of those chances. Burns emphasizes the need for Olave to continue improving and make the most of each opportunity that comes his way.

The Saints’ coaching staff challenged Olave during the offseason to excel in contested catches, and his hard work has paid off. He has shown his ability to make difficult catches in tight coverage, whether it is a juggling one-handed grab, a sideline catch in one-on-one coverage, or a contested catch over a defender.

Olave acknowledges that his preparation, including extensive repetition and tennis ball drills, has contributed to his success. He hopes to consistently be the player who makes those crucial plays, especially in dire situations when the team needs a spark.

Burns emphasizes that no player is a finished product in the NFL, and this applies to Olave as well. However, Burns is confident that Olave will grow from these tough experiences. He believes that Olave’s ability to bounce back from adversity speaks volumes about his character.

As the Saints aim to improve their struggling offense, Olave’s consistent playmaking will be crucial. He has the potential to be a key contributor and help propel the team to success. By learning from his mistakes and staying focused, Olave will continue to evolve into a reliable playmaker for the New Orleans Saints.