New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara proving his worth in preseason
In the New Orleans Saints first preseason game, Alvin Kamara was underused. Against the Chargers, he showed he was worthy of the draft trade.
The New Orleans Saints dynamic offense looks like it’s adding another member. Their third-round pick in the 2017 draft, running back Alvin Kamara, is looking like a steal. Despite a lackluster showing in their first preseason game, Kamara is slowly developing into the player the Saints were hoping for and he cemented it during the Chargers game.
Before I talk too much about Kamara, can we give it up to the Saints for winning their first preseason game since 2014? After three long years, they can finally celebrate a preseason victory. It doesn’t mean much, but it’s a boost for confidence for the guys who played in the game and are looking for roster spots.
Back to the topic at hand in the rookie running back. In college, Kamara was known for making explosive plays. He’s a relatively smaller guy, but he’s able to break tackles and weave in and out of defenders. In the few chances he got to shine, he proved he could play both receiver and running back, something the Saints have yet to really find in their offense. Kamara looks to solve that problem, for now.
Looking back at his first preseason game, Kamara didn’t really have a chance to shine. He didn’t make as many big plays as he did against the Chargers. Against the Browns, Kamara did put up some solid numbers, though. He rushed four times for 35 yards against the Cleveland defense.
While it wasn’t exactly spectular, it was a start for Kamara. What really made him stand out was his showing against the Chargers. Not only did he made huge plays, but he was one of the biggest reasons why they were able to win the game.
Getting everyone talking, Kamara rushed for 50-yard touchdown and made it look easy. He blew past the Chargers defenders to a wide-open field and scored on the Saints’ first offensive snap of the day. He made it look easy, because he kept his eyes down the field and weaved his way through defenders and found holes.
While that was easily Kamara’s biggest moment, he didn’t stop there. Later in the game, he also rushed for 22 yards. It’s crazy to think he’s only gotten a handful of touches too and there’s much more to come for Kamara and his future with the Saints.
It’s unclear how the Saints want to utlizie him for regular season, but he’ll more than likely end up being Peterson or Ingram’s backup. The Saints could bring him in as a receiving back or a punt returner. What is clear is the steal the Saints got when they drafted Kamara. If he keeps producing like he has, the Saints will have an even bigger running back compeition their hands.
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It’s only preseason, but Kamara is already in regular season form. I can’t wait to see how he does when Brees is handing off the ball or throwing to him. Even if he’s not the starting back this year, he’s certainly going to be in the future.