Alvin Kamara key as Saints target Bills’ run defense

By Ross Jackson

It was always the belief before the NFL season began that the identity of the New Orleans Saints offense would be its run game. Unfortunately for New Orleans, that has not been able to take shape due to early and large deficits the team has been left to navigate, eliminating the rushing game in some cases. 

Instead, quarterback Spencer Rattler has thrown 46, 34 and 39 passes in each of the opening three matchups, averaging just under 40 passing attempts per game. 

Meanwhile, running back Alvin Kamara has averaged just 16 carries per game, and the Saints rank No. 18 in total rushing yards. 

This week against the Buffalo Bills, some of those fortunes could change. While the Bills boast the No. 2 passing defense and a highly-ranked pass rush, they are No. 32 in the NFL in defending the run. The team is allowing over six yards per carry on average. 

This could be an important factor in the Saints’ ability to compete, even if not win, on Sunday. 

Kamara has faced the most light boxes (six or fewer defenders) by opposing defenses so far and has made good in those opportunities when given the chance, per Next Gen Stats. 

While Buffalo tends to load the box much more than the Saints’ previous opponents, it hasn’t found much success to justify the additional defenders. 

This could present a large vulnerability for head coach Kellen Moore and the Saints to attack on Sunday. While there are few to no expectations of a win in Orchard Park, N.Y., going to the east coast and competing against one of the league’s best teams would be a massive victory coming off of a blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks.