When the New Orleans Saints offense is performing as poorly as it has, every single decision is going under the microscope. Pete Carmichael’s unit has failed to score 25 points in each of their last 10 games. They’ve scored 25 or more points in just six of his 21 games calling plays. So every decision, no matter how small, warrants scrutiny.
Which is why we’re wondering what the plan is for a sixth-round draft pick who hasn’t gotten on the field through five games. What are the Saints waiting on to give A.T. Perry a shot and at least dress him out on game days?
It’s not like the other receivers ahead of him on the depth chart are impressing anyone. And we aren’t talking about Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, or Rashid Shaheed, just to be clear. The other players rounding out the depth chart have left a lot to be desired.
Keith Kirkwood has stepped into Tre’Quan Smith’s old role as a run-blocking specialist — 51 of his 75 snaps have come in that role, telling defenses what the plan is whenever he’s on the field. All three of the passes thrown his way have fallen incomplete.
The decision to play Lynn Bowden Jr. ahead of Perry is even more suspect. He dropped his only target going into Week 5 and has botched his blocking assignments, which isn’t too surprising; he doesn’t have the frame and strength to execute those jobs. He’s built for return duties on special teams at a listed 5-foot-11 and 204 pounds, but the Saints aren’t using him in that role. So why is he getting the nod over Perry?
It’s true that Perry was a more-limited player coming out of college than fans anticipated. He primarily lined up at split end at Wake Forest, giving him few opportunities to work out of the slot, so the Saints have had to coach him up and prepare him for a wider variety of assignments. But is he not ready for the 15 snaps per game that Kirkwood and Bowden have combined for? Is there no way to get the ball to a 6-foot-5, 205-pound rookie eager to make a name for himself in the league?
Every aspect of the Saints offense deserves criticism given how poorly they’ve played over the last calendar year, not just these four games. At some point they must change some things and put different players in position to try and breathe some life into their offense. They need all the help they can get.
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