Could Michael Thomas improve on strong start to 2022 season?

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Why Michael Thomas could improve on his strong start to 2022 season

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/22/22

While the offense for the New Orleans Saints has yet to find a rhythm through two games, it has a pulse because of Michael Thomas, who is flashing his old All-Pro form.

Expectations were tempered for Thomas entering the season after he missed all of 2021 and nine regular-season games in 2020 because of ankle and hamstring injuries. But after two standout performances to begin 2022, Thomas has proven his value hasn't waned.

Through two games, Thomas has converted his 17 targets into 11 receptions for 122 yards and all three of Jameis Winston's touchdown throws. He looked his best on a third-quarter reception in Week 2, showing off incredible footwork when hauling in a catch and staying in bounds by the tip of his toes.

That Toe-Drag Swag by @Cantguardmike

@nateburleson #Saints : FOX pic.twitter.com/kmje73iffe
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 18, 2022

According to Pro Football Focus, Thomas is at his best this season on routes in which he is 10-19 yards downfield at the time of the throw. The majority of his targets have come at that depth, and Winston's passer rating is nearly perfect on those throws at 157.3.

As good a start as Thomas has had, there's reason to believe he will produce at an even higher level.

According to Pro Football Talk, Thomas' rehab meant that he and Winston didn't have much time to work together this summer. That makes RosvoglousReport's takeaway from the rewatch of Sunday's game make more sense. He noted several occurrences when throws should have gone Thomas' way but didn't.

Rewatching the Saints game (sad, I know). Michael Thomas was getting open an awful lot. He should be seeing even more targets moving forward.
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) September 19, 2022