New Orleans Saints: 3 studs, 1 dud in close call with Titans

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 22: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints talks after the game with Wesley Woodyard #59 of the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Saints defeated the Titans 38-28. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Stud No. 3 – Jared Cook

Jared Cook continues once again to be a huge target favorite of Drew Brees. A couple of weeks ago against the San Francisco 49ers, Cook had two touchdowns in the first quarter on plays up and over the safety and linebackers in the middle — that seems to be Cook’s sweet spot.

Cook is emerging as Brees’ second favorite target to Michael Thomas. This week against the Titans, Cook three balls for 84-yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 28.0 yards per reception and two of his three receptions coming for touchdowns.

Over the last six weeks #Saints TE Jared Cook has been what we thought he would be when we watched him dominate training camp.

20 receptions, 419 receiving yards & 6 TD receptions.

Also longs of 61, 20, 38, 40, 21 & 30.

His 8 TDs this year are also a career-best.

Sizzlin’.
— Andrew Doak (@AndrewPDoak) December 23, 2019

Late in the second quarter after getting the ball back from a Titans punt, Drew Brees stepped onto the field and took one play to score. In 11-seconds, Brees threw a 61-yard bomb to Jared Cook for his first score of the day.

Later in the game toward the end of the third quarter, Cook again caught a 16-yard pass from Brees for a touchdown. Cook is getting open and Brees is rewarding his hard work with targets. He should continue the stretch he is having and that is dangerous for the 49ers.

Cook was well worth the money the Saints paid him, and he should get an extension at the end of his current contract.