For two consecutive weeks, quarterback Derek Carr has been making headlines synchronizing his plays with former Weber State wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, dominating the field and score long touchdowns for the Saints. Their second-week play was remarkable, leaving Saints fans cheering and opponents in awe.
As the New Orleans Saints faced off against the Cowboys, it was Shaheed who slipped past the Dallas secondary. Carr sent the ball soaring down the field, straight into Shaheed's hands. The Weber State Wildcat alumni did not disappoint, carrying the Saints' offense through the first two drives with three catches that totaled an impressive 96 yards.
Shaheed didn't stop there. He added an early seven-yard rush on the first drive. And after Alvin Kamara's touchdown, the subsequent 70-yard pitch-and-catch to Shaheed had fans on their feet. This touchdown echoed their previous week one opener against the Panthers, where Carr and Shaheed orchestrated a similar play.
Shaheed, a San Diego native, has been turning heads since his time at Weber State. He ended his college career as the FCS all-time leader in kickoff return touchdowns, with seven to his name. He played 53 games with the Wildcats and set a new record for kickoff return average at 29.1 yards per return.
Shaheed's senior year was particularly remarkable. He earned the title of FCS First Team All-American as both a kick returner and punt returner. To this day, he remains the only Weber State Wildcat to have been named an All-American four different times.
In his rookie year in 2022, Shaheed made quite an impact. He recorded 28 receptions for 488 yards and two touchdowns. He also had four rushes for 57 yards and a touchdown. In the return game, Shaheed had over 500 total yards on kickoffs and punts.
Last season, he posted 46 receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns. Shaheed also returned a total of 43 punts and kicks for 723 yards and a touchdown. With these stats, it's clear that Shaheed is a force to be reckoned with, and alongside Carr, they make a formidable team.
As the Saints continue their season, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on this dynamic duo.
