DUD: Michael Thomas, wide receiver

It feels weird listing Thomas as a “dud” after watching him break the record for most receptions in a single season, and ending the year with the most catches and receiving yards in the NFL. But his four catches for 37 yards and zero touchdowns on nine targets were a let-down against a Panthers defense that gave up 35 points in the first half alone. It speaks to how well the other Saints receivers played that his off-day didn’t matter.

It is quite possible that Thomas’ workload was reduced as the game went on and the lead became comfortable. Thomas had also been dealing with a hand injury all week leading into the game that could have played a factor into his performance. In either case, the MVP-caliber wide receiver was noticeably unproductive. However, there should be little concern about Thomas heading into the playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings during the wild card round.

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