The Saints who showed up in Detroit on Sunday looked a lot more like the team we have been accustomed to seeing. Even though they stumbled into a 14 point deficit, the team never flinched and caged the Lions like they were supposed to.
A 35-29 road victory put an end to a two game slide; and was especially impressive with 6 LEGIT starters ruled out, along some late night/early morning COVID testing issues that needed to be worked through.
More than one guy was going to need to “step-up”, and Tre’Quan Smith was one of those who rose to the occasion, making 4 catches for 54 yards and two scores.
“I would say this guy is impressive relative to traffic and noise,” said head coach Sean Payton. “He’s sturdy, he’s tough and I think that is a great asset as a receiver.”
Smith was selected by the Saints in the 3rd round of the 2018 draft. He has dealt with injuries which hampered his production, but has 46 catches for 662 yards and 10 TDs thru 26 games in his rookie and sophomore seasons. So far, in 2020, the 6ft2, 210 pound WR has 14 grabs for 186 yards and two scores.
Was Tre’Quan’s toughness something Coach Payton saw during the draft process leading up to his selection?
“You’d like to think you know when you are drafting, selecting and signing and yet, you really never know until they come here,” answered Payton. “But, there is a toughness to his play, he blocks extremely well.”
He also jumps on a loose ball extremely well. Tight end Josh Hill fumbled in the 3rd quarter. Smith was able to rescue the drive, tracking down a wild bounce, thus preventing momentum from shifting to the Lions.
The offense capitalized on maintaining possession, scoring the teams' last TD six plays later. It gave the Saints, a 21 point lead with 8:52 left in the 3rd quarter. To tough for Detroit to overcome.
