Alvin Kamara burst onto the scene during his rookie season out of Tennessee as a true dual-threat running back. During his first two seasons, Kamara averaged 5.3 yards per carry with 22 touchdowns. As a receiver, he caught 81 passes in each of his first two seasons. The only worry surrounding the star back was injury and that is playing a part in year three.
Kamara was forced to miss two games with a knee/ankle injury. Since he has returned, Kamara has been clearly limited by the New Orleans Saints. Even before his injury, Kamara was not being used as much as previous seasons.
He has not carried the ball 20 times in a game this season and has just three games with 15 or more carries. Kamara does not have a 100-yard rushing game this season and has scored just once on the ground.
The Saints' offense is still strong. Drew Brees is back and playing at a high level. Michael Thomas is one of the top receivers in the game and Latavius Murray has been a pleasant surprise. If the Saints want to make a deep playoff run, they will need to get Kamara back to normal.
Over the last three games, Kamara has 28 carries for 153 yards and no touchdowns. He has been used in the passing game. Over that same span, Kamara has 27 catches. He is an elite option running the ball. In Week 10, the Saints suffered a blowout loss to the Atlanta Falcons so there was not many chances to run the ball. There is no excuse over the past two weeks.
New Orleans is 9-2 so clearly they know what they are doing. There is no doubt that they need to establish Kamara earlier in games. This gives their offense an entirely new dynamic.
He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017 and made the Pro Bowl with 728 rushing yards, 826 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns, one of which came on a kick return. Kamara fits in perfectly with the way the Saints run their offense.
If Kamara is still banged up, he should not be playing. He is one of New Orleans' most valuable players and they need him healthy for the playoffs. If he is fully healthy, then it is time to give him the ball as much as possible.
The Saints are a dangerous offense who have the luxury of having elite players at their skill positions and Kamara is a big one.
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