The New Orleans Saints offense has given fans more reason for concern than usual this year. Obviously the injury to starting quarterback Drew Brees and the play of backup Teddy Bridgewater top the list of concerns. However, the lackluster stats produced by free-agent signings Jared Cook and Latavius Murray have also been a major storyline early in the season.
Now that storyline is beginning to change. Recently, Jared Cook and Latavius Murray have started looking more comfortable in the offense, making key plays in the last two weeks.
Jared Cook, Latavius Murray Finding Their Place in New Orleans Saints Offense
Jared Cook
It’s not an exaggeration to say the 2018 Pro Bowl tight end had a disappointing start to the season. It didn’t help that Cook was expected to be the most effective receiving tight end for the Saints since Jimmy Graham.
In the first four games, Cook was targeted 18 times and caught just eight passes for 90 yards and no touchdowns. Three of those missed targets were recorded as drops and his only notable highlight came on a 31-yard catch in the season opener.
Over the last two games, Cook has been a more consistent and productive force in the Saints offense. In those wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars, Cook recorded a combined seven catches, 78 yards, and two touchdowns on nine targets. His first touchdown of the season gave New Orleans a seven-point lead over Tampa Bay and they never trailed after that score.
Cook’s second touchdown was the Saints only trip to the end zone against Jacksonville and his best play of the season. Lined up in the left slot across from a nickel back, Cook started with a nice double move and got the inside release he wanted. He went to the back of the end zone on a slant route, and made a leaping fingertip catch over the defensive back.
Latavius Murray
With two-time Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara already firmly entrenched as the Saints top running back, expectations for Murray were somewhat lower than they were for Cook. With that said, fans expected more from a running back who finished three seasons with over 900 yards from scrimmage.
Murray also had a highlight moment in the Saints season opener, a 30-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. Through the next four games though, Murray struggled to add more impactful plays. During weeks two through five, Murray carried the ball 18 times for 51 yards and caught 4 passes for 28 yards.
In the win over Jacksonville, Murray proved he can step up when the Saints really need him. Kamara entered the game with an ankle injury and also tweaked his knee in the first quarter. With Kamara limited, Murray saw his highest snap count of the season and responded with eight carries for 44 yards and three catches for 35 yards.
Unfortunately, Murray’s best play was wiped out by a penalty. Early in the second half, Murray caught a screen pass and had to immediately dodge a Jaguars defender. He then out-ran several Jaguars on his way to a 42-yard touchdown, but it was nullified by a Michael Thomas holding penalty.
Outlook for Jared Cook and Latavius Murray
Going forward, Cook and Murray have to continue increasing their impact.
Like last season, Thomas and Kamara have dominated the share of passing targets and New Orleans has struggled to get consistent production out of their other receivers. Second-year receiver Tre’Quan Smith started strong but has missed most of the season with an ankle injury. Cook is the Saints best chance for a third reliable target. His two red zone scores in consecutive weeks are a good sign that he can become that.
At running back, Kamara is averaging more snaps, rushing attempts, and receptions per game than in either of his first two seasons. The Saints plan on making a deep postseason run and won’t want to over-work him before then, especially not after his recent injuries. Limiting Kamara’s action undoubtedly hinders the Saints offense, but Murray proved on Sunday that he can handle more touches and make an impact as both a runner and a receiver.
If Cook and Murray can continue progressing, this Saints offense will look even more dangerous when Brees returns than it did when he left it.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
