Saints: Return of Michael Thomas will take the offense to the next level

The New Orleans Saints have a winning record heading into their BYE week. Not every win has been pretty, but they have managed to win ball games. This is even more impressive when you consider the below-average receiving core they’ve been playing with.

While Marquez Callaway had a huge day against Washington, he has been just average to below average, to say the least. Deonte Harris has been an excellent deep threat this season, but not someone you can rely on consistently, plus he got banged up this past week.

The rest of the receiving core has been somewhat disappointing. However, help is on the way, and it’s in the form of the elite Michael Thomas.

Thomas is eligible to return for the Saints’ Week 7 game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. This is going to bolster the Saints’ offense and especially bring out the best in Jameis Winston.

Michael Thomas returning is huge for the Saints.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a fully healthy Michael Thomas. We know when healthy, he is one of the best wide receivers in the league. His last full season was historic when he became the second wide receiver in NFL history to win Offensive Player of the Year and set the single-season reception record.

The Saints offense has been missing that elite player to create separation for them. Thomas should be exactly that. Thomas excels at getting open and hauling in the football by any means necessary.

Time after time, fans have seen him make ridiculous catch after ridiculous catch. Though he can make flashy plays, he also is extremely reliable and has some of the best hands in the NFL.

Thomas coming back will also help his teammates out. His return will also lead to easier matchups for the other receivers on the team. The former Ohio State Buckeye demands so much attention, sometimes even double teams, which will create easier matchups for fellow receivers.

This should help Marquez Callaway, who has been commanding each team’s best corner in only his second year.  This will also almost certainly help quarterback Jameis Winston in the red zone. Winston is currently tied for third in passing touchdowns with 12.

This is once again even more impressive when you consider his supporting cast compared to whom he’s tied with. He is currently tied with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford who has Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Desean Jackson, and Tyler Higbee, to put it in perspective.

With Thomas coming back, this number will almost certainly go up. Not only because he is a significant red-zone threat but because of his ability to extend drives. The Saints passing game will certainly be better, leading to longer drives and more touchdowns.

Fans should be absolutely stoked for the return of Thomas. It should lead to some fun plays and memories and most importantly, lead to some big New Orleans Saints wins.