“We all know guys in the NFL who if they touch the ball, they can score. We have guys like that.”
That’s how Derek Carr described the New Orleans Saints’ weapons when asked about increasing the amount of yards after catch the team produces. It’s hard to look at the roster and disagree. Rashid Shaheed is the first player who comes to mind. His experience as a return specialist translates well to this aspect of the game.
Chris Olave is another player who is actively looking to improve his yards after catch. That is a representation of his mindset changing. Mindset is something Carr said Coach Williams emphasizes.
The idea is Klint Kubiak will put players in the open field with the ball in their hand more than last year. That didn’t feel like a premium under Pete Carmichael. The heavy emphasis on play action is meant to get the entire defense looking the wrong way.
Deceiving the front seven will allow for more time, and deceiving the secondary will provide more room for players to work after the catch.
Last season, Carr averaged 4.5 yards after the catch per completion. That was good for 30th in the league. Part of that is on him and his ball placement, part of that is on the mindset after the catch and part of that is on the scheme maximizing the ability for yards after the catch. Now it’s time to put it all together.
