Saints run game faces test vs. Jaguars in preseason matchup

By Ross Jackson

In last week’s performance against the Los Angeles Chargers, the New Orleans Saints’ run game was subpar at best. 

Running backs combined for 15 carries and gained just 29 rushing yards. The 1.933 yard per carry average is well below the typical target of three yards per carry or more. 

This week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the rushing attack will be highly-anticipated. With two young quarterback options, the run game is expected to be the identity of the Saints’ offense. However, through training camp and the team’s first preseason game, its impact has remained a mystery. 

Much of the team’s padded practices have had a passing game focus, with a quarterback battle to settle. Beyond that, the run can be very challenging to simulate without live tackling and action. 

There was good progress in Thursday’s joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams. It was the first time the rushing game looked to have several good moments relative to the previous practices. If that’s any indication of success for this weekend, it will be a welcome sight. 

It’s hard to believe that head coach Kellen Moore’s run game would be anything but efficient. Throughout his career as an offensive coordinator, he’s always put together success in this area. Add in run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti, and the likelihood of a poor rushing attack plummets even more. 

There’s a chance that the Saints simply haven’t shown their real plans of improving the run, trying to maintain its effectiveness for Week One against the Arizona Cardinals. 

Despite that, against the Jaguars would be a great time to establish some confidence for what will be a vital piece in the Saints’ 2025 offense.