Michael Thomas revealed fear drove him during a dominant Saints playoff performance

New Orleans Saints fans got a blast from the past when former Offensive Player of the Year Michael Thomas reminisced about his legendary performance in the 2019 divisional playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Thomas dove into some of his emotions of the game and a behind the scenes interaction with general manager Mickey Loomis.

Thomas torched the Eagles with 12 receptions, 171 yards, and one touchdown. This game is a positive memory for all fans, as the Saints came back from an early deficit to move on in the playoffs. 

The Saints had championship aspirations in 2018 and the roster knew it. The team was the number one seed in the NFC and was one of the favorites to win it all. 

Michael Thomas was nervous before the game and didn’t want to be like a past failing team

“Crazy I was so scared of what it would feel like if we lost this game.” Thomas said on X, “And all I kept telling myself is we just can’t go out like the 2016-17 Giants on that yacht. Then I turnt it up”.

The 2016-2017 Giants that Thomas is referring to went 11-5 before losing to the Green Bay Packers 13-38. Star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had 101 receptions, 1,367 yards, and 10 touchdowns on the year was held to four receptions to 28 yards in this game. Thomas didn’t want to let his team down and replicate this game.

It’s clear Thomas didn’t mimic the Giants as he received high praise from Mickey Loomis following the game.

“Mickey Loomis met me before I could get to the locker room at the end of the game and said word for word ‘that was the greatest performance I ever seen from a Wide receiver in a Saints uniform’”.

Even though the Saints couldn’t finish the deal with a Super Bowl, fans will always hold Michael Thomas’ divisional game in high regards. It was one of the standout moments from his breakout season, and felt like a firm stamp of his arrival for anyone who missed the regular season. That's a sentiment that Loomis clearly shared.