Many were left disappointed by New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave's performance against the New England Patriots. None more than the man himself.
Following Thursday's practice, the former first-round pick expressed that it's a tough situation. "You take out a few plays, it's a great game. But those few plays were terrible," Olave said to the media. "A lot of opportunities, like I said, we have to take advantage of, especially on my part. I just have to do a better job... it's weird when I drop one ball, especially two in a game, but I'm going to get back on track."
Against the Patriots, Olave had at least two drops, which is out of the ordinary for the normally sure-fired receiver. The timing of two of the drops, one near a pylon on third down and the other on a routine play on second and seven, was also a shot to the gut for the team. However, on the day, his performance was the best he's done all season, with six catches for 98 yards.
Saints WR Chris Olave shuts down trade rumors
So far through six weeks, Olave has had a rather underwhelming season, for lack of a better word. When you look at the numbers, you can also understand the wide receiver's frustrations this year. He's the second most targeted receiver in the National Football League with 61; however, he's only fifth in the league with receptions with 39. At his current pace, he won't even hit 1,000 yards receiving this season.
All of this has only added fuel to the fire in terms of trade rumors. However, earlier this week, Olave effectively put those rumors to rest. "There's always rumors on the internet, people trying to create some buzz," the wide receiver said to the media. "But I've had conversations with people in the building, so i'm real confident (about not being traded)."
Olave also added that he's using his drops on Sunday as motivation for the upcoming game in Chicago. "I’m just trying to prove myself right at the end of the day," the wide receiver said to the media. "I’ve just got to take advantage of it and make the play when the ball comes my way.”