The New Orleans Saints have won nine of their last 10 games. They are currently 10-2 and are in possession of the two-seed in the NFC. In Week 14, they will be playing their biggest game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers. For them to come out on top in this game, they will need to get one of their best players established early.
Alvin Kamara has had an up and down season so far. He has battled injuries which forced him to miss two games. When he is on the field, the Saints seem to be using him with caution. Kamara has not carried the ball 20 times in a game this season and he has just three games over 15 carries. He remains active in the passing game with 64 catches on the season. Latavius Murray has played well this season but he is not the threat that Kamara is.
Since entering the league out of Tennessee, Kamara has made his name as a dynamic, dual-threat running back. If he is healthy, it is necessary that he gets the ball 25 times against the Niners.
Kamara vs. San Francisco
The Niners have been arguably the best defense in the league. They rank No. 1 in total defense allowing 250.9 yards per game. Their secondary has allowed the least amount of passing yards per game but they have been vulnerable on the ground. San Francisco enters Week 14 allowing 116.7 rushing yards per game.
The Niners' pass rushers have been effective getting to the quarterback led by Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner, but they have not clogged up the run game. This is an intriguing matchup for Kamara. This could be the game where the Saints finally give him 20 carries in addition to some screenplays.
There is no doubt that the Saints are rolling. They are averaging 31.3 points per game over their last three. Michael Thomas is on a record-setting pace and can have eight or nine receptions in his sleep. New Orleans has done their job at bringing Kamara back slowly but it is time to take off the training wheels. In their Week 13 win over the Atlanta Falcons, Kamara finished with 11 carries and four receptions. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry.
Kamara is an explosive player who gets better and better with every carry he is given. It will only help the Saints if they fed Kamara. Just 15 touches in a game is not enough for Kamara and that number should double this week in the Saints most important game of the season.
Follow Us
Subscribe