By Ross Jackson
For the two years following the departure of former head coach Sean Payton, the New Orleans Saints were often criticized for having an anachronistic approach to offense.
That reputation began to shift last year with the hire of Klint Kubiak and the implementation of his wide zone offense. Now, it’s set to continue under head coach Kellen Moore.
The run game is expected to be the identity of the offense with young quarterbacks at the helm. Offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz expressed his excitement about Moore’s system and the modernity it brings to New Orleans.
“You’re getting these new modern plays and it’s fun,” he said during his post-practice media availability. “It’s like, ‘Wow! I didn’t know you could do this on the plays.’ It’s truly something we’re all excited for.”
That thrust into the modern day of offense is something running back Alvin Kamara expressed excitement about during the first day of practice as well. Especially after having watched running back Saquon Barkley in Moore’s offense with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, Kamara was enthralled.
“Obviously with [Saquon Barkley] being the last (running back Moore worked with) and doing it, it’s exciting,” Kamara said.
What exactly is it about Moore’s offense that is more aligned with today’s game? RPOs, the usage of play action and the nuances in the run game specifically leapt to Ruiz’s mind.
“To anybody else,” he said, “it looks like, ‘Oh, he just ran a run play.’ But for us, no. The way they drew this play up and the rule of the play…I like it. It just makes sense and it’s unique.”
The Saints just held their first day of padded practices on Monday with a focus on installing the run game. The unique and modern approach will only become more apparent from here.
