The Saints offense has lacked spark from their skill positions, aside from Alvin Kamara. The receivers lack skill and talent, and with the starting quarterback injured, it’s been a struggle for the offense.
With a huge week coming up against a divisional rival in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, someone is going to have to step up. This is something though that we’ve been saying all season, so why is this week an exception?
In the past few weeks we’ve seen tight end Nick Vannett play a huge role in the Saints offense. He’s been solid in the screen game, being a downfield option, and the run game. He’s overall been a solid player on offense and he will need to continue this on Sunday. Now this is assuming that Adam Trautman isn’t designated to return to the roster and play this week.
Something however to monitor as the season progresses, is Nick Vannett’s finger. He currently has a torn tendon in his right index finger and will play with a splint on it. It’s similar to Mallet Finger, which is what quarterback Taysom Hill is dealing with, but it’s not as severe and it’s something that Vannett won’t let hold him back from playing.
Tight ends against the Buccaneers defense have been targeted 112 times, which is tied for the second most in the NFL, allowing 82 receptions which is also tied for 2nd in the NFL. The 760 yards given up to these tight ends is the 11th most with 6 total touchdowns which is 12th in the league.
Statistically Nick Vannett may not be appealing, but his impact on the offense the past few weeks has stood out after missing nine games to start the season. Sean Payton along with Pete Carmichael now have to game plan ways to get Vannett open and involved in the offense early.
The Buccaneers linebackers, Devin White and LaVonte David are athletic and smart players who don’t make many mistakes. The offense will have to set up the play designs for Vannett to succeed in.
We could see some designed bootlegs, some check and release routes, and set up the tight end screen for a big gain. Vannett has also been solid on the unscripted plays, the plays where the quarterback is under pressure, Vannett has done well finding ways to become available for his quarterback.
This week especially with Antoine Winfield and Jordan Whitehead both possibly out, that leaves a mismatch with Nick Vannett against a second string safety or an inexperienced nickel corner.
Written By Kadin Janisch
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