Earlier this week, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas revealed some lofty goals for the 2022 season.
After an ankle injury kept him out of action for the better part of the last two seasons, there was some reasonable skepticism about how the former Pro Bowler would fare in his return.
If there were any doubters, they're pretty silent right now.
During Sunday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, Thomas showed flashes of his old self. Thomas finished the day with five catches for 57 yards and two touchdowns, helping lead the Saints to a 27-26 victory.
After the game, Thomas suggested that Sunday's performance wasn't up to par, and he still has "a lot more" to give as the season progresses.
"That's definitely not my standard," Thomas told reporters. "Little rusty to me. But the biggest thing is being able to add value, put points on the board and help my team win games and come back. But from an individual standpoint, I still have more work to do."
Thomas came up clutch for the Saints in the fourth quarter, where he scored both of his touchdowns on the day.
First, with the Saints trailing, Thomas caught a three-yard touchdown from quarterback Jameis Winston to pull them within eight of the Falcons, 26-18, after a successful two-point conversion.
What a pass, what a catch
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: FOX pic.twitter.com/G3Er1aTCfl
Next, Thomas and Winston connected for a nine-yard score, cutting the deficit to 26-24 with 3:38 left in regulation.
CAN'T GUARD 'EM.
FOX pic.twitter.com/hswfhNkr5q
That helped set the stage for a Wil Lutz game-winning 51-yard field goal with 19 seconds left, giving New Orleans their first victory of the 2022 season.
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