New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave has had a disappointing start to his pro career. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Jameis Winston still has faith in Chris Olave: 'Rookie with a veteran mindset'

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/21/22

If "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" were a documentary, Chris Olave would be having last Sunday wiped from his memory as we speak. Olave had a game to forget, with the first-round draft pick from Ohio State consistently not on the same page as QB Jameis Winston. Olave caught five of 13 targets for 80 yards.

On a 51-yard catch, Olave fumbled, killing a Saints drive.

But despite the rough outing against the Buccaneers, Winston is still high on the rookie wide receiver, praising him after practice on Wednesday.

"A rookie with a veteran mindset."

-@Jaboowins on @chrisolave_ pic.twitter.com/TaAagWUpIb
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 21, 2022

While the Winston-Olave connection is a work in progress, Winston hailed the young receiver as a "rookie with a veteran mindset." But it will be up to the veterans on the roster to continue to take the pressure off Olave, and Winston having his back is a great place to start.

Olave has been targeted 16 times through the first two games, but only eight have been converted into receptions. According to Pro Football Focus, Winston's passer rating when targeting Olave is 49.2, or 30 points below average.

But despite the early-season struggles, Saints fans should feel good that he has already carved out a spot on the offense. The goal is clearly to get him the football, and building the chemistry with Winston off the field will only help them get on the same page faster.

Olave had his best season as a senior at Ohio State, with 65 receptions for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 games.

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