Joe Morgan, Kenny Stills: Serious Speed for New Orleans Saints
October 21, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Joe Morgan (13) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Now that Joe Morgan has reached a deal with the New Orleans Saints , some serious speed will be on the field next year. Morgan, who missed the entire 2013 regular season with a knee injury, will have the opportunity to catch passes with the other speedster, Kenny Stills for the first time. Oh, the possibilities.
The Saints were relying on Joe Morgan to be that deep threat guy after parting ways with Devery Henderson, but injuries took over. However, Stills helped fill that role; he finished his rookie campaign with 32 snags for 641 yards. That’s 20 yards-per-catch. An NFL leading 2o yards-per-catch. Not a bad rookie year, Mr. Stills. Not bad at all.
Since Drew Brees stepped onto the scene, the Black and Gold have been all about the big plays. That will obviously continue, especially when opposing defenses have to worry about two deep threats on the field at the same time. These speed demons can bob and weave out of traffic creating favorable circumstances for the offense by getting open downfield.
Stills, who ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at last year’s NFL Scouting Combine and Morgan, who ran a 4.44 in 2011 have the potential to terrorize opposing defenses. Most teams will be doubling up on Jimmy Graham, creating some serious opportunity for these faster guys.
Morgan’s only real playing time was back in 2012. He played in 14 games catching only 10 passes, but averaged 37.9 yards-per-catch. Yes, 10 catches for 379 yards. He is obviously capable of big play situations. If he remains healthy, a nice year could be in store.
We were not quite sure how Joe Morgan’s career with the Saints would pan out after the injuries and getting arrested last summer on DWI charges. However, he will be entering a diversion program after the charges were dismissed on Tuesday. A happy day for the young receiver.
Morgan gets another chance in the Big Easy and it will be fun to see him take the field alongside Kenny Stills on Sundays. Watching Sean Payton work these guys into the playbook together is going to be quite intoxicating. The Who Dat Nation should be in high spirits come the start of the 2014 season.
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