Saints rookie tackle Taliese Fuaga used Myles Garrett to send a message to the league

If you watched the New Orleans Saints in Week 11, you saw them pick up a comfortable 35-14 win over the Cleveland Browns. While watching the game, you also probably forgot Myles Garrett was playing. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year didn’t post a single stat for the Browns, despite playing 45 snaps.

A big reason why Garrett wasn’t a factor was Saints first-round pick Taliese Fuaga. Fuaga has been starting at left tackle since the day he was drafted, and has been playing well all season. However, on Sunday, he sent a message to the league that he’s a force right now, and he will be for a long time.

Taliese Fuaga shines in Saints win over Browns

In the game, New Orleans put up 35 points, ran for 214 yards on 28 attempts (7.6 yards per rush), and gave up just one sack. That kind of productive day all starts up front. If the offensive line isn’t able to control the line of scrimmage, the offense isn’t going to do much.

Every one did their job, and Fuaga, who was frequently lined up across from Myles Garrett, made a statement. This could’ve easily been a game where his inexperience showed, as he could’ve been embarrassed by one of the league’s best players. Instead, he looked like a stable veteran, and forced Browns fans to question their star defender.

This isn’t anything new for Fuaga, though. He has been thriving all season, even while battling a back injury that he has dealt with since training camp. It’s safe to say New Orleans made the right choice by selecting him with the 14th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s dominant in the run game and has proven he can silence elite pass rushers.

The most promising thing about Fuaga is that he’s only a rookie. This is just the start. He’ll likely continue to improve, and will dominate in New Orleans for years to come.