STUD: Jared Cook, tight end

The tight end appeared to be missing in action for most of the first half of the game on Sunday. His presence wasn’t necessarily needed during that portion of the game, as others stepped up, but nominal backup Josh Hill was playing more often than him. However, late in the second quarter, Brees was able to thread the needle a big gain of 23 yards down the seam and then a 21-yard touchdown pass to Cook. The big receiver was able to leap up and make a breathtaking, one-handed catch to secure the score.

Cook ended the day with two receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown. Similar to Kamara, that muted statline does not tell the entire story. Cook took a while to find his footing in the offense this season, and now he has become one of the Saints’ most potent weapons, a true difference maker. He is a matchup nightmare, and could position himself into being the key to New Orleans’ postseason.

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