New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is feeling optimistic about his new role with the team despite their recent struggles.
After joining the Saints, he helped break their seven-game losing streak with a strong performance in Sunday’s win against the Atlanta Falcons.
Valdes-Scantling, who joined the team recently, caught three passes for 109 yards and scored two touchdowns, making him the first Saints wide receiver since Michael Thomas to hit 100 yards and score twice in a game, a feat last achieved five years ago.
With the Saints suffering numerous injuries, especially at wide receiver—Rasheed Shaheed, Chris Olave, and Bub Means are all on injured reserve—Valdes-Scantling has quickly become a key player. Starting the season with the Buffalo Bills, he was released after they signed Amari Cooper.
The Saints picked him up after an October visit, and he has since stepped up to fill the gap in their injury-riddled lineup.
Speaking after the game, Valdes-Scantling expressed excitement about his new opportunity, saying, “I’m just excited to be in a situation where I can excel.” His role is expected to focus on the deep passing game, an area the Saints have struggled with following Shaheed’s injury.
Although the Saints rank 19th in passing plays over 20 yards this season, Valdes-Scantling is confident he can make an impact. For now, he’s focused on keeping things simple, relying on his speed and connection with quarterback Derek Carr to help turn the season around.
