Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints took time from watching the NFC Championship Game to share playing tips and maybe throw shade.
Thomas, whose Saints’ team lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC divisional-round playoff game, offered some wisdom for quarterbacks facing defenses. Mind you, Thomas might also be covertly calling out longtime Saints quarterback Drew Brees with his words.
Brees didn’t connect with Thomas for a reception during their loss to the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay played Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game with the winner advancing to the Super Bowl.
Through the magic of Twitter, Michael Thomas makes his observation known to the world.
Quarterback Tom Brady was picking apart the Packers’ defense, hitting Scotty Miller for a 39-yard touchdown pass with eight seconds left in the first half. The Bucs led 21-10 at halftime at Lambeau Field.
Brees, who may have played his last NFL game against Tampa Bay, threw passes to Saints’ teammates Tre’Quan Smith, Emmanuel Sanders, Jared Cook, Alvin Kamara, Ty Montgomery, Deonte Harris, and Josh Hill. Harris and Hill’s receptions went for negative yardage.
Thomas, along with fellow receivers Michael Burton and Marquez Calloway, didn’t record a catch in the playoff game.
He graduated from Ohio State and joined the Saints in 2016.
Michael Thomas Isn’t Silent About Frustration With Saints
If Thomas’ comments were aimed at Brees, then it would not be the first time he’s shared his frustration about being in New Orleans.
Yet Michael Thomas in 2019 signed a five-year, $100 million contract with the team. So, what gives?
Part of his emotional state might have to do with his health issues. There were times in the season where Thomas reportedly had to take pain medication so he could keep playing. Saints coaches also made it clear that their team was better off with Thomas on the field even at half-speed.
He played through serious ankle injuries that Thomas looks forward to having repaired during the off-season.
Thomas didn’t take the loss to Tampa Bay lightly, tweeting out a GIF of Kansas City wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers saying “Help is on the way.” He deleted that tweet, though. It might have been done out of frustration after the Saints’ 30-20 loss to the Buccaneers.
Michael Thomas will have time to get his physical body healthy for next season. He probably will have a new quarterback at the helm for New Orleans as his longtime teammate Drew Brees reportedly is hanging up the cleats.
