Chris Olave and Tyler Shough were put in similar positions to prove something to the New Orleans Saints’ decision makers. Shough’s mission to prove he’s a franchise quarterback, and Olave was looking to show he’s a true top wide receiver. The pairing is revealing the version of the former first round pick Saints fans always knew was there.
The ramifications of Shough’s trajectory is a weekly conversation. Olave’s production hasn’t flown under the radar but the impact of it has. He’s in a pre-contract year. With the way negotiations go these days, the year before the contract year is the true contract year for talented players on a rookie deal.
When the Saints traded Rashid Shaheed, the attention turned to Olave. The conversation that followed was questions if he was truly that guy. Like Shough, Olave has made it difficult to say he isn't. He's on track to have over 1200 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Chris Olave picks a different way to silence critics each week
There's no bigger criticism on Olave's game than his history with concussions. He suffered at least one concussion in each of his first three years in the league. Last year, Olave suffered two concussions that kept him out for half of the season. It also left him contemplating retirement. Olave needed to show he could play an entire season healthy.
Last week, Olave put together the best game of his career. He had 148 yards and two touchdowns versus the Jets. Both of those are career highs. Olave once again stretched the field and showed he could be the go to guy when there’s no receiver taking attention away from him.
That pressure began when Devaughn Vele went down with injury against the Panthers. Olave responded with a clutch fourth quarter that showed his ability to both fight through a slump and dominate in the critical moments.
Olave is checking all the boxes you want to see from your top receiver from a production standpoint. If nothing else, Olave is proving his value for the offseason negotiations.