“I’ve faced some of the hardest challenges of my career, but nothing will stop me from being there for my team and for this city. I’m not just playing for myself; I’m playing for everyone who’s supported me through it all.”
— Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints Wide Receiver
Concussions aren’t a topic often highlighted in the NFL, but for wide receiver Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints, it was a significant concern as he faced the Carolina Panthers in Week 10. Last season, Olave suffered a season-ending concussion in Week 9 against the Panthers—an incredibly frightening moment both for him as a player and a person.
It was his second concussion in just one season, raising serious concerns from fans and the media about his long-term future in football. Remember, Olave also suffered a concussion in 2022 and 2023 while with the Saints. Following New Orleans’ recent victory, including an outstanding performance from Olave, he had the chance to reflect on the anxiety surrounding his past injuries.
Olave Shares Concerns About Returning to Carolina After Concussion
After the emotional win, Olave opened up about how challenging it was to return to the very place where his season ended the year before. It was something he had to confront before taking any snaps, but he overcame the haunting memories to help secure the Saints’ second win of the season.
“As soon as I stepped onto the field, it all came rushing back,” Olave said. “It was a tough situation from last year. It ended my season.”
“My dad was here too, so I went and talked to him before the game, trying to calm myself down,” he added. — Olave via Katherine Terrell
Olave admitted that returning to Bank of America Stadium, the site where his concussion cut his previous season short, was emotionally overwhelming. The sense of dread and worry was real, but his resilience and drive to keep playing helped him power through and contribute in a major way.
A Career-Best Performance and Overcoming Adversity
Olave’s determination paid off as he turned in one of the best performances of his career. With five receptions for 104 yards and a crucial touchdown against the Panthers, he now has 251 career receptions. Olave became the 15th player in Saints history to surpass 250 career catches.
Beyond the statistics and the win, it’s inspiring to see Olave back on the field, healthy, and playing with such commitment. The emotional and physical toll of concussion-related injuries can alter a player’s career and life, and the fact that Olave has overcome these challenges shows his dedication to both the city of New Orleans and the Saints franchise.
Looking Ahead
Olave still has one year remaining on his current contract after the Saints exercised his fifth-year option. Discussions about a contract extension have been ongoing, and it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds in the near future.
For now, Saints fans should be grateful to see Olave back on the field, showcasing his resilience, skill, and love for the game. After everything he’s overcome, his continued success is nothing short of inspiring.
The Atlanta Falcons have mastered the art of playing well in most aspects of a game, only to be let down by the complete failure of another phase.
Take Week 9’s loss to the New England Patriots, for example. Teams that were +2 on turnovers and +5 on sacks were 64-0 in the last 10 years, until the Falcons lost 24-23.
Atlanta held the Indianapolis Colts to 1 for 11 on third downs through 60 minutes and 2 for 12 through regulation and overtime, and still lost.
The culprit the last few weeks has been Atlanta’s own woeful performance on third down. The Falcons didn’t convert any of their eight third-down attempts on Sunday against the Colts, and they are 3 for 29 in their last three games… all losses.
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For perspective, 3 for 29 is a 10.3% conversion rate. The Tennessee Titans are the worst 3rd-down team in the NFL, at nearly triple that rate at 28.4%.
When offensive coordinator Zac Robinson stepped up to the microphone this week, third downs were a hot topic.
“Yeah, I think as you look at the entirety of the last couple weeks, each third down has its own story,” Robinson said this week. “You’re looking for common themes. Each are different plays, different coverages. We’ve definitely got to clean that up. We’ve definitely got to execute when we have chances too. We’ve got to make sure we have the right answers for the guys, as coaches, all those things.”
Robinson delved into his habit of blaming busted assignments for many of the Falcons’ problems.
“We’ve got to communicate,” Robinson said. “The first third down, we get into a check and one of the guys doesn’t get it, and so, it results in a strip sack. So, we’ve got to get that stuff off the tape for sure.
Teams have also been leaning into the Miami Dolphins’ defensive plan against the Falcons of selling out on first and second down to stop Bijan Robinson. Stop Bijan, stop the Falcons.
“We also can do a better job avoiding third-and-longs,” Robinson said. “We’ve been the first five weeks, I think we were the lowest in the league in terms of the amount of third-and-longs. We were pretty efficient on third downs. Now the last five weeks, we’ve been in way too many third-and-long situations, which are going to be difficult. But, that can help with early down efficiency.
“All those things factor into it from first, second down to third down. We get those chances no matter what the D&D (Down and Distance) is on third down, we’ve got to find a way. We’re putting, obviously, a big emphasis on it with the pass protection and routes and just connecting on things. Like I said, as coaches, just making sure we’ve got the right answers for the guys.”
The Falcons have had injuries on the offensive line and have played with third-string tackle Eli Wilkinson all season, and third-string left guard Kyle Hinton was forced into action against the Colts. The new players are handicapped by what has been deemed a predictable offense from Robinson. Bijan, Bijan, incomplete, punt.
“We’ll work any of the things that have shown up on tape that we’ve had difficulty picking up from a line-game standpoint, making sure we’re all clean with some of the pass ops up front,” Robinson said. “But we look at all of it. We look at route detail. We look at what’s going on up front. All those things that are playing a factor into it.”
The Falcons kick off on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers (5-5) at 1 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta was embarrassed by the Panthers in Charlotte and will need to put together a complete game if they’re going to save face against an improved Panthers team.
The Falcons held the Panthers to 224 yards of total offense, yet were let down by their offense and special teams in the 30-0 blowout in Week 3.
Less predictability on first and second down, should lead to shorter third-down attempts. If the Falcons can’t improve on their 10% rate from the last three weeks, it could be another embarrassing afternoon against the Panthers.