What fueled New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas after 20-month absence
One of Dennis Allen's first acts as head coach of the New Orleans Saints was to fly to Los Angeles this offseason and get to know receiver Michael Thomas a little better.
Thomas had dinner with Allen and his wife. And they spent time learning about each other's mindsets and expectations and what makes them "tick," according to Thomas, who called it a "great bonding experience."
Allen, who previously served as Saints defensive coordinator, said it was important because he simply hadn't been around Thomas as much as other players in recent years because he was rehabbing the left ankle injury that wiped out his entire 2021 season.
Allen also identified that a healthy relationship with his enigmatic and electrifying superstar would be as important as Thomas' healthy return to the field.
Sure enough, Thomas delivered in a huge way during Allen's first win Sunday, catching two touchdown passes in the second half while New Orleans rallied for a 27-26 victory over the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. And Thomas' first words after the game were, "I love this organization, I love these teammates, I love my team."
This offseason was a far cry from last summer, when the Saints and Thomas were at odds over his decision to delay ankle surgery until June. There has been an unmistakable change in Thomas' mentality.
Thomas said he "100%" feels a greater appreciation after an absence of nearly 20 months between games.
"You can't take it for granted," Thomas told ESPN. "Once the Saints offered me my second deal [before the 2019 season], that was an agreement to be out here, to add value to this team, to keep the Saints hanging banners and competing for championships. And I have a big role on this team.
"So, to not be out there and add that value, whenever you get that second chance I always told myself to take full advantage of it and find a way to always give back."
You can see that approach in Thomas' media interviews, social media usage and interaction with teammates. Those close to him say it has been evident behind the scenes as well.
"He's in a great space," Saints quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry, who previously served as Thomas' position coach, said. "I think he appreciates the game a little bit more. Not that he didn't at first, but I think the game just means a hell of a lot to him. You know, he missed playing. You could tell that with his energy, his focus, when he's out here competing."
Allen said Thomas has "done everything that we've asked him to do."
Entire article:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...rleans-saints-michael-thomas-20-month-absence