Benjamin Watson: The Saints’ New “Threat” at Tight End

Entering Week 6 at 1-4, the New Orleans Saints needed a win to salvage their season and to stay relevant in the NFC South Division. They did just that. Drew Brees threw for 312 yards and one touchdown as the Saints (2-4) defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 31-21 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Known for throwing the ball to different receivers during a game, Brees favored tight tend Benjamin Watson the most in the Saints’ victory against the Atlanta Falcons Thursday night.

Watson, a 12-year veteran tight end, had a monster night, recording 10 receptions, 127 yards and one touchdown. Watson’s performance led to even some observers on Twitter after the game to half- jokingly refer to it as a “Jimmy Graham” type of night.

Jimmy Graham, the former Saints’ tight end who was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, was of course Brees’ main target for explosive plays on offense and redzone situations for the last 5 seasons (from 2010-2014).

With his versatility and playmaking ability gone, the Saints are in desperate need of a playmaker to fill the role of Graham. And in all seriousness, Watson — even at age 34 — could be the short-term answer.

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson (82) makes a two-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Most will say his performance in the Saints’ victory was simply a night where Watson was in the right place at the right time to catch passes.

If head coach Sean Payton, however, can find more ways to involve Watson in the offense over the stretch of the season, like Graham, Watson could become a huge target and comfort zone for Brees.

Beyond veteran wide receiver Marques Colston, who is currently dealing with a shoulder injury, the Saints feature a young wide receivers group that includes Brandon Coleman, Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead.

At the tight end position, the Saints feature Michael Hoomanawanui and Josh Hill as backups to Watson. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Watson could give the Saints’ offense just the spark it needs in critical situations.

Think about it.

While he lacks a few inches in the height category, Watson has great size and great hands. He has the ability to make plays for a young Saints’ offense.

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson (82) is pursued by Atlanta Falcons strong safety William Moore (25) in the third quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Watson spent six years with the New England Patriots and three years with the Cleveland Browns before coming to New Orleans in 2013.

The former Georgia tight end is in a good place to make an impact for the Saints with the departure of Graham.

Over the next four weeks, the Saints will play on the road against the Indianapolis Colts, return home for games against the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans and go back on the road to face the Washington Redskins. As of now, the four teams have a combined record of 9-10.

If the Saints can continue to improve defensively each week, continue to move the ball effectively on offense with a mix of run and pass and incorporate Watson into the offense more, they have a legitimate chance to win their next four games or at least three out of the four before the bye week.

Look for Watson to get more involved in the next couple of games for the Saints, and while he might not remind anyone of the departed Graham, at least he can get the job done —— and done very well, at that………..

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