While it’s impossible to predict exactly how the Saints’ wide receiver room will shake out over the course of the season, Bub Means has already shown that he belongs in the NFL
His breakout game against the Buccaneers demonstrated that he has the ability to contribute when called upon, and with key receivers possibly missing time, he may have even more chances to shine.
The upcoming game against the Denver Broncos presents a massive opportunity for Means to further his rise. If he can deliver another strong performance in the national spotlight, it will solidify his status as one of the Saints’ emerging playmakers and potentially earn him a more permanent role in the offense.
As the 2024 season unfolds, Bub Means will be a player to watch—especially if injuries continue to create opportunities for him to take the field.
For now, though, his journey from relative obscurity to potential breakout star is one of the more intriguing storylines to emerge from the Saints’ season.
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Bub Means: Breakout Star for the New Orleans Saints
Bub Means was a name that few people outside of football die-hards would have recognized heading into the 2024 NFL season.1
He was a young receiver on the New Orleans Saints’ roster, but he had largely flown under the radar. After all, the Saints’ wide receiver room was packed with talent, with stars like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed expected to lead the team in its new era, following the departure of Michael Thomas.
However, injuries and opportunities have a way of changing a player’s trajectory, and Bub Means found himself in the spotlight during Week 6.
In a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Means delivered a breakout performance, hauling in five passes for 45 yards and a touchdown, marking the first meaningful contributions of his career.
With key receivers Olave and Shaheed potentially sidelined for the upcoming “revenge game” against former Saints head coach Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos, Means could be poised to step up again and cement his place as an emerging weapon for the Saints.
😂ðŸ˜ðŸ˜braaaa https://t.co/VKcbxCbkuq
— Chris Olave (@chrisolave_) September 7, 2024
A Humble Start Behind Saints’ Stars
Before his breakout game, Bub Means wasn’t on the radar for most fantasy football managers, let alone NFL fans. The Saints’ wide receiver room had been in transition following the offseason release of longtime star Michael Thomas.
With Olave and Shaheed slated to take on larger roles, the assumption was that Means would be more of a depth option, serving as a backup or rotational player for the Saints. He was primarily expected to contribute on special teams and perhaps see limited snaps on offense in certain situations.
But football is a game of unpredictability. Injuries, game plans, and matchups can shift in the blink of an eye, and players like Means often find themselves suddenly thrust into positions of importance.
For Means, the opportunity came in Week 6 against the Buccaneers when the Saints needed someone to step up in a critical divisional matchup.
Seizing the Moment in Week 6
- The Saints entered their Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a heightened sense of urgency.
- The team had experienced a rocky start to the season, and with a divisional opponent on the schedule, they needed a spark to keep their playoff hopes alive.
- While all eyes were on the team’s established stars like Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, and Chris Olave, it was Bub Means who ended up making one of the biggest impacts.
- Means caught five passes for 45 yards and found the end zone for the first time in his career. His touchdown came at a pivotal moment, giving the Saints a much-needed boost of momentum.
- While his performance may not have been earth-shattering in terms of statistical output, it was significant for a player who had yet to make a mark in the NFL.
- The touchdown catch was a confidence-builder for both Means and the coaching staff. In a league where trust between quarterback and receiver is crucial, his ability to step up in a big moment did not go unnoticed.
- With his first career touchdown under his belt, Means demonstrated that he could contribute meaningfully in the Saints’ offense moving forward.
Chris Olave: Injury Woes for Saints’ Starters
Following his breakout performance, the question now turns to what the future holds for Bub Means, especially as the Saints face uncertainty with their receiving corps.2
Both Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed missed Tuesday’s practice due to injuries. Olave is dealing with a concussion, while Shaheed is nursing a knee injury, leaving their status for the upcoming Thursday night game against the Denver Broncos in doubt.
The potential absence of the Saints’ top two wide receivers opens the door for Means to see even more playing time and target opportunities in Week 7. If Olave and Shaheed are unable to suit up, it will likely push Means into a starting role alongside other depth receivers, which could give him a chance to build on his strong Week 6 showing.
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the NFL, but they also create opportunities for unheralded players to step up. Means has already capitalized on one such opportunity, and he could find himself in an even more prominent role against the Broncos.
A “Revenge Game” Against Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos
Week 7 carries added significance for the Saints beyond just the usual challenges of a Thursday night game. This matchup will see them face former head coach Sean Payton, who led the team for over a decade before stepping away from the Saints after the 2021 season.
Payton now coaches the Denver Broncos, and his departure from New Orleans was seen as the end of an era for the franchise.
The Saints have since undergone significant changes, but facing their former coach adds a layer of intrigue and emotional weight to this contest. It’s not just another regular-season game—it’s a chance for the Saints to prove they’ve moved on and are building something new without the legendary head coach.
For Bub Means, this could be an even bigger stage to make his mark. In a game that will likely garner plenty of attention due to the Payton storyline, Means has the chance to solidify his place in the Saints’ plans by delivering another strong performance.
The Chemistry Between Means and Derek Carr
The quarterback-receiver relationship is one of the most important dynamics in football, and Bub Means’ ability to find success in the Saints’ offense hinges largely on his chemistry with veteran quarterback Derek Carr.
Carr, who signed with the Saints in the 2023 offseason, is known for his leadership and ability to distribute the football to multiple targets. He’s already shown a willingness to trust Means in key moments, as evidenced by their connection in Week 6.
For Means, building a strong rapport with Carr could be the key to securing a long-term role in the Saints’ offense.
If Olave and Shaheed miss time, Carr will need to rely on less experienced receivers, and Means has a golden opportunity to prove that he can be a reliable option moving forward.
The fact that Carr didn’t hesitate to throw to Means in a critical game situation suggests that the quarterback believes in his potential. That trust will need to continue developing, especially if Means is to take on a larger role in the coming weeks.
The Future Outlook for Bub Means
Bub Means’ breakout game was a pleasant surprise for the Saints, but the NFL is a league where players are constantly evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
The challenge for Means now is to prove that his performance against the Buccaneers wasn’t a one-off but rather a sign of things to come.
If Olave and Shaheed return to full health soon, Means may revert to a backup role. However, he has now put himself on the coaching staff’s radar, and even in a reserve capacity, he could see more playing time than he did at the start of the season.
On the other hand, if the injuries to Olave and Shaheed linger, Means will have a significant opportunity to establish himself as a key contributor in the Saints’ offense. Every game from this point on is an audition for Means to show that he can be a consistent playmaker in the NFL.
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Chris Olave: Bio
Rising Star in the NFL
Christian Josiah Olave, known to football fans simply as Chris Olave, is a young and dynamic wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL).
With his roots in California and a standout college career at Ohio State, Olave has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most promising talents in the league.
This article delves into his journey, from his early years to his time at Ohio State and his transition to the NFL. Let’s explore the path that led Chris Olave to the professional gridiron.
Early Life and Background
Chris Olave was born on June 27, 2000, in San Ysidro, California, to a diverse and multicultural family. His father is of Cuban descent, while his mother is African-American, giving Olave a rich cultural heritage that has shaped his identity.
Growing up in the vibrant and diverse environment of Southern California, Olave was exposed to a wide range of influences that fueled his love for sports from a young age.
Olave’s journey into the world of football began in his childhood. Like many future athletes, he displayed a natural talent for multiple sports, including basketball and track.
However, it was football where he truly excelled, and his potential became evident early on. He attended Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, California, where he played football for two seasons before transferring to Mission Hills High School in nearby San Marcos.
The Transfer Year Challenge
One of the most significant challenges Olave faced during his high school career was the transfer from Eastlake to Mission Hills.
Due to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) transfer rules, Olave had to sit out his entire junior year, which could have been a major setback for a young athlete looking to impress college scouts. Missing a full season of competition is tough for any player, but Olave didn’t let this obstacle deter him.
Despite the setback, Olave used his time off the field to hone his skills, focusing on improving his physical and mental game.
His determination paid off when he returned to the field for his senior season, ready to prove himself as one of the top prospects in California.
A Standout Senior Season
Chris Olave’s senior year at Mission Hills High School was nothing short of remarkable. He exploded onto the scene with 93 receptions, amassing 1,764 receiving yards, and an astonishing 26 touchdown catches.
These impressive stats not only cemented his place as one of the best high school players in the state but also garnered attention from top college programs across the country.
In addition to his prowess on the football field, Olave was also a member of the basketball and track teams at Mission Hills.
His participation in multiple sports contributed to his overall athleticism, speed, and agility, traits that would later serve him well in his football career.
Chris Olave: Career
College Career at Ohio State
Chris Olave committed to Ohio State University in January 2018, a decision that would shape the course of his football journey.
Ohio State, known for its powerhouse football program and history of producing NFL talent, was the perfect platform for Olave to showcase his abilities on a national stage.
The Buckeye Breakout
Olave’s freshman season at Ohio State was relatively quiet, but by his sophomore year, he had begun to make waves. His breakout game came in 2018 during a matchup against Michigan, one of Ohio State’s biggest rivals.
Olave caught two touchdown passes in that game, leading the Buckeyes to a crucial victory.
This performance catapulted him into the national spotlight and solidified his role as a key player in the team’s offense.
Over the next three seasons, Olave would go on to become one of Ohio State’s most reliable and explosive wide receivers. He developed a reputation for his exceptional route-running, speed, and ability to make difficult catches in high-pressure situations.
His chemistry with quarterbacks, including Justin Fields, was evident as they connected for numerous big plays.
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Setting Records
During his time at Ohio State, Olave shattered several records and became one of the most accomplished wide receivers in the school’s history.
Perhaps his most notable achievement was setting the school record for the most career touchdown receptions with 35, surpassing legends who had come before him. This accomplishment speaks to his consistency and ability to perform at a high level over multiple seasons.
In addition to his touchdown record, Olave also finished his college career with 176 receptions and 2,702 receiving yards.
His ability to stretch the field and create separation from defenders made him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses, and his skill set was perfectly suited for the high-octane offense that Ohio State ran under head coach Ryan Day.
NFL Draft and New Orleans Saints
Chris Olave’s stellar college career made him one of the top wide receiver prospects heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, precise route-running, and football IQ made him an attractive option for teams in need of a dynamic playmaker.
On draft night, Olave was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 11th overall pick in the first round, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Adjusting to the NFL
Transitioning from college football to the NFL is a significant challenge for any player, but Olave’s preparation and work ethic have helped him make a smooth adjustment to the professional level.
Joining a team with a rich history and a passionate fanbase like the New Orleans Saints comes with its own set of expectations, but Olave has embraced the challenge.
In his rookie season, Olave quickly made an impact, becoming a key target for Saints quarterbacks. His speed and ability to create separation have translated well to the NFL, allowing him to contribute to the Saints’ passing attack.
As a rookie, Olave recorded several impressive games, including multiple 100-yard receiving performances.
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