When hometown product Jarvis Landry signed with the New Orleans Saints, fans got excited.
The former LSU standout will be the second top receiver on the Saints roster for 2022.
Michael Thomas is that other top receiver.
With two clear playmakers on offense, along with running back Alvin Kamara, the talk of making the Super Bowl is going around in Louisiana.
However, is the addition of Landry enough to make the Saints Super Bowl contenders?
Jameis Winston And His Performance Is Key To Any Super Bowl Hopes
With Saints fans singing the praises of Landry, they forget they have Jameis Winston at quarterback, not Drew Brees.
While Winston can air the ball out like Brees, he has issues with throwing interceptions.
Jameis Winston just threw a walk-off pick six to end the season AND join the 30-30 club with TDs and interceptions 😱 pic.twitter.com/sjK1JVc5xF
— Whistle (@WhistleSports) December 29, 2019
However, he appeared to improve on those past errors in Tampa Bay with his first season as starter in New Orleans.
But his season was cut short by an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the year.
That injury could play a role in his performance during the 2022 season.
If his quarterback can’t get him the ball, he won’t do much.
Another factor is if New Orleans gets the 2021 version of their quarterback, or the version of him from his days with Tampa Bay.
These things are out of Landry’s hands.
The Saints’ Super Bowl Hopes Aren’t Centered On Landry
While the hometown hero improves the team, he doesn’t make them Super Bowl contenders.
However, if he and his quarterback can click early, he improves their chances.
But they still have to contend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their division, and possibly in the NFL playoffs.
#NFLFirstDown #SNF🏈
Buccaneers at Saints score: Tom Brady suffers worst loss of career as New Orleans pummels Tampa Bay
The Saints complete the season sweep up their division rivals and now have a case for best team in the NFC
Saints defeat Buc’s 38-3 pic.twitter.com/67wXEzfm41— be2Sports (@Be2Sports) November 9, 2020
While New Orleans has swept Tom Brady and the Bucs the last two years during the regular season, they lost to them in the playoffs.
However, the Bucs won’t be the only potential playoff opponent they may face.
They could face the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, or even the San Francisco 49ers.
None of those teams will be easy for New Orleans in the playoffs.
Landry Makes New Orleans Playoff Contenders, But Not Super Bowl Contenders
Landry can easily help the Saints reach the playoffs after missing them last season.
However, the burden lies on Winston and the Saints defense to make them Super Bowl contenders.
Landry is just an added weapon for Winston to use on gameday.
He’s a receiver that can either take heat off Thomas or step up for Winston if Thomas gets shut down.
However, the quarterback needs to get the ball to his receivers.
If he can’t perform under the pressure of the playoffs, then his passes might not make it to his receivers.
The Saints can have the most talented group of receivers in the NFL, but without a quarterback to get them the ball, it won’t matter.
Winston has to prove 2021 wasn’t a fluke, as his play will determine if New Orleans is Super Bowl contenders.
