Klint Kubiak has the young Saints receivers developing a new mentality

Entering the 2024 season, there are high expectations for the New Orleans Saints receivers to take things to another level. Chris Olave, entering his third season, is the team’s unquestioned No. 1 receiver, and he’s being asked to establish himself as a tier-one wideout in the NFL.

Rashid Shaheed, also entering year three, is expected to develop into WR2 for the Saints, becoming an every-down player that is more than just a deep threat. Second-year receiver A.T. Perry is expected to show more consistency, building on the promise he flashed last season.

While everyone is expecting big numbers from the wideouts, new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is defining success differently for these young receivers. While he certainly wants them to be big receiving threats, Kubiak is also making it clear they have to block.

Saints receivers are emphasizing blocking under Klint Kubiak

Nick Underhill, in a recent piece for New Orleans Football, did an in depth piece on the receiving group’s new philosophy. Simply put, to get the rock, you have to block. That’s what Klint Kubiak is preaching about the offensive scheme he’s bringing to New Orleans.

This shouldn’t surprise anyone who watched the San Francisco 49ers last season, the team Klint Kubiak served on as passing game coordinator. In every 49ers game, receivers blocked with the same fervor receivers call for the ball with. From guys like Jauan Jennings to stars Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, each receiver blocked with an endearing level of desperation.

With the kind of downfield blocking San Francisco had, it was evident why the offense was as great as it was. Kubiak wants that to be the case in New Orleans this season. Since joining the team, he has made it clear he wants to restore an elite rushing attack. If that’s going to happen, not only will the offensive line have to block well, but the wide receivers will have to be good blockers also.

READ MORE