{"id":149143,"date":"2023-10-07T11:00:17","date_gmt":"2023-10-07T15:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=149143"},"modified":"2023-10-07T09:19:18","modified_gmt":"2023-10-07T13:19:18","slug":"saints-offensive-struggles-alvin-kamara","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/10\/07\/saints-offensive-struggles-alvin-kamara\/","title":{"rendered":"Saints Star Sends Clear Message on Source of Offensive Struggles"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Saints have, on paper, one of the most potent groups of skill position players in the NFL. With diverse talent at receiver, an experienced tight end room, and dynamic backs, the offense is not lacking playmakers. Looking at the box scores, however, one would see a group in need of a major overhaul. The offense has now scored 21 or fewer points in ten games. In today\u2019s game, it\u2019s a stat that\u2019s hard to fathom. Given the talent in the unit, it seems nearly impossible. Yet, heading into a crucial Week 5 matchup, it\u2019s hard to focus on anything other than the Saints offensive struggles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a recent interview, Alvin Kamara was clear in his belief on the unsatisfactory performance of the offense. In his words, the Saints need to have \u201ctough conversations\u201d about how to fix the struggles going forward. <\/span>Kamara\u2019s interview with NewOrleans.Football<\/span><\/a> was extremely telling on why the offense has played so poorly thus far. Where does Kamara feel are the biggest pain points for this offense, and more importantly, how will the group respond and improve going forward?<\/span><\/p>\n

[metabet_core_game_tile query=”fbp\/new_orleans_saints” size=”350×300″ site_id=”lastwordonsports”]<\/p>\n

The Biggest Factors of the Saints Offensive Struggles<\/h2>\n

Play Calling<\/b><\/h3>\n

For a unit with so much firepower, it\u2019s incredible <\/span>how hard they’ve made playing offense look<\/span><\/a>. There have been moments of scattered brilliance, but never once has it felt like a smooth, cohesive operation as a collective unit. Execution certainly has been lacking at times, and ultimately players put points on the board. But have the Saints put their players in the best position to overcome these offensive struggles? Definitely not. Poor play calling from offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has been one of the biggest culprits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without directly throwing Carmichael under the bus, Kamara strongly implied a major disconnect between playmakers and play callers. \u201cWhen the play is called, we go out there and run what\u2019s called\u201d, Kamara said. As simple as it sounds to \u2018get the ball into your playmakers hands\u2019, it\u2019s just not happening right now in this offense. Part of this is on Derek Carr making better decisions. Part of this is on the offensive line holding up longer in protection. But right now, plays simply haven’t been designed well enough to maximize this group\u2019s potential.\u00a0 Situational play calling, especially, has been highly problematic. Whether it be questionable deep shots on third and short, pass concepts with multiple receivers ending up in the same area of the field, or just baffling designs, the Saints are making it unnecessarily difficult to sustain drives.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

No comment pic.twitter.com\/lkhaKYEaSa<\/a><\/p>\n

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) October 2, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n