Coming into the season, the Saints would probably take owning a 2-1 record heading into Week 4, especially without Alvin Kamara. With Derek Carr getting acclimated to a new system, growing pains were to be expected. But likely no one expected the offense to look as clunky as it has through three weeks. The flashes have been there, making things all the more frustrating.
There have been glimmers of cohesiveness among Carr and his weapons, with multiple explosive plays to Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Even Michael Thomas appears to be returning to form, providing the big-body, contested-catch ability he’s excelled at. But at the moment, the entire operation just seems far too difficult. Protection breakdowns, miscommunication on Carr’s part, and lack of involvement from tight ends all stick out as problem areas for the passing attack.
Aside from a decent showing against the Panthers, the run game has also struggled mightily. As with the pass game, issues on the offensive line seem to lie at the heart of the problem. And until massive improvements show up on the line, these problems are likely to continue. So, where do the Saints go from here to turn things around? There is certainly plenty of blame to go around, and nearly everyone on offense has things to build on.
Collective improvements aside, the Saints offense is in desperate need of a spark. As luck would have it, they may be getting one just in time. Carr’s status for the week is up in the air at the moment, but it’s highly likely he does not play. Given the typical timeline of his injury, he may be looking at an extended absence. Jameis Winston is going to need all the help he can get from his supporting cast to keep the offense afloat with Carr out. Thankfully, the return of Alvin Kamara may be exactly what the Saints offense needs to hit its stride and live up to its potential.
[cta id=4013 type=cta]
How Alvin Kamara Can Improve the Saints Offense
Dynamism in the Run Game
As discussed, the Saints run game has struggled to gain much traction through three games. Pete Carmichael has tried to commit to a balanced attack, and the rush attempts have been there. Unfortunately, the production has not followed. With Kamara and Kendre Miller both missing, the Saints were forced to rely on Jamaal Williams in a bellcow role. Williams is a tough runner and has proven he’s an extremely capable short-yardage and goal-line back. But clearly, he’s best suited to working in a committee and not in a feature role. He isn’t one who will find five yards when there’s only two yards of space. With the play of the line as poor as it’s been, early down runs have failed to generate much success with Williams.
Miller, while a more explosive athlete than Williams, still likely isn’t ready for an extended role either. He missed a significant portion of the offseason dealing with injury and is still a work in progress in many facets. On the other hand, Kamara’s dynamism needs no explanation. His rare ability to find room in seemingly non-existent areas has provided countless big plays for the Saints. He expands the rush attack, with his ability to create on the edge and make plays in space. Even with the Saints run blocking suffering as much as it has, Alvin Kamara can help maximize their current capabilities.
Toss plays to the left can get Trevor Penning on the move, allowing him to utilize the exceptional athleticism he has. At age 28, Kamara is not the same athlete he once was. But if his play in camp was any indication, he still moves at a different level than many other backs do, especially backs in the Saints offense now.
Quarterback’s Best Friend
The Saints in their offensive heyday have always been one of the league’s premier screen teams. Right from his rookie season, Kamara fit perfectly into the Saints screen game. His on-field intelligence, patience in setting up blocks, and the obvious tackle-breaking ability made him a game-changer on screen plays. Through three games, the Saints screen game has been non-existent. Simply put, they don’t have the current personnel to operative screens effectively. Of course, offensive line play and timely play calling goes hand in hand, both large factors. But with guys like Williams and Tony Jones working on passing downs, it would take a lot going right for screens to function effectively. With Kamara back in the fold, the simple threat of screens should offer a nice boost to Carmichael’s play sheet and a new wrinkle for defenses to prepare for.
And while it would certainly be nice to see a return of the screen game with Kamara, his ability on option routes may be even more significant. The option/choice has been a Kamara staple for years, allowing him to react quickly to a developing play and feast on mismatches in space against opposing linebackers. Again, with Williams and Jones, there was no hope of plays like these working. As the line (hopefully) continues to improve, Kamara’s presence on these short routes will offer a much needed safety valve for Jameis when needed. The benefit of having Kamara, especially? Checkdowns can turn into explosives on any given play.
ALVIN. KAMARA.
RIDICULOUS.
📺: #GBvsNO on NBC
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/VANJXsXuUh pic.twitter.com/u6vwg3ViGh— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2020
Alvin Kamara Provides the Saints A Much-Needed Bolt of Energy
Not even a quarter of the way into the season, it may seem harsh to make sweeping declarations of the ‘vibe’ of the Saints offense. But to any observer, it’s fairly clear that something just seems off. Carr likely is under a lot of pressure to produce, as well he should be given the commitment the Saints have made to him. For whatever reason, a line that has been one of the better units in the league over the past few seasons has regressed mightily. The run game can’t find consistent space to operate. Juwan Johnson and the tight ends haven’t been able to really get going. The simplest way to put it? Playing offense just feels hard for this group right now.
At his best, it’s an issue that Kamara can’t relate to. His movement at times just feels effortless, and it’s as if he plays the game at a different speed than his teammates. Things just seem more fun when he is around. Maybe the Saints need more than the little spark Kamara can provide. Maybe issues on the line are so dire, it wouldn’t matter if the Saints had prime Barry Sanders in the backfield. But undeniably, Kamara brings a presence, a certain energy that feels so desperately needed on the offense right now. There is far too much talent among this group for it to continue performing as it has been. Kamara’s return can only help in the effort to right the ship and have the Saints offense humming the way it should be.
Universal Responsible Gambling Disclaimer:
Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Main Photo: James Guillory – USA Today Sports
