The New Orleans Saints are set to take on the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 5 matchup and with the aggressive and unpredictable blitz attack of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, one unheralded player for the Saints’ offense may have a key role: running back C.J. Donaldson.
The undrafted rookie running back has been an important part of the team’s pass protection plan this year, operating as the third-down running back and extra blocker in passing situations.
In taking on the Vikings’ exotic blitz game plan, he will likely be tasked with providing important protection contributions for Saints quarterback Tyler Shough.
Per Pro Football Focus, Donaldson has spent 37.3% of his offensive snaps through the first four games of the year in pass protection.
During those snaps, he’s credited with allowing just three pressures, including one sack in the team’s recent loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Minneota typically loads the line of scrimmage with six to eight defenders, most often sending five pass rushers, while the others drop back into coverage.
The players rushing the passer can come from any level of the defense, the same with those dropping into coverage, making it a challenge to accurately predict which defenders pose a threat to Shough.
Donaldson’s ability to block coast-to-coast across the formation from the backfield will be an important element of keeping Shough clean.
Beyond that, his physical rushing style can also be valuable against a defense that surrenders more than three yards after contact per carry.
Donaldson may not be a household name like wide receiver Chris Olave, edge rusher Chase Young and others. But he may end up being one of the most important players on the field on Sunday.
