Why Alvin Kamara May Be More Dangerous in 2023 Saints Offense

Where Alvin Kamara ranked in this year’s PFF rankings and what a different role in the New Orleans offense might mean in 2023.

Once QB Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season, RB Alvin Kamara became the face of the New Orleans Saints. The team still had plenty of stars. Most of them on the defensive side, where DE Cameron Jordan, LB Demario Davis, and CB Marshon Lattimore are among the league's best at their positions. Despite this, Kamara often draws the most national attention. 

A third-round choice out of Tennessee in the 2017 NFL Draft, Kamara almost immediately took the league by storm. His 728 rushing yards, 81 catches for 826 yards, and 14 total touchdowns in his rookie year were enough to win 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year accolades and his first of five Pro Bowl berths. 

In just six seasons, Kamara is already tied with Marques Colston as the franchise's all-time touchdown leader with 72. His 5,135 rushing yards are third in franchise history and his 49 rushing scores are second behind Mark Ingram's 52 for the all-time lead. Kamara's 430 career receptions for 3,753 yards and 22 scores are also the best in team history for a running back. He's also the franchise's record holder with 16 rushing touchdowns and 21 total scores in a single season. 

The league's most versatile running back, Kamara threatens defenses from anywhere along the formation. In spite of deficiencies at quarterback and receiver, he's remained his offense's most consistent weapon. Yet, in a recent article by Pro Football Focus, Kamara received an astonishingly low ranking. 

PFF writer Trevor Sikkema ranked the site's top 32 running backs headed into the 2023 season. Kamara came in at a ridiculously low Number 13, according to PFF. Here's what Sikkema had to write about Kamara:

Kamara isn’t getting the same usage he was when Drew Brees was his quarterback and Sean Payton was his head coach, but that doesn’t mean he’s significantly worse as a player. His 77.7 rushing grade and 4.0 yards-per-carry figure in 2022 aren’t far from his career averages, and though his receiving totals are much lower than what they used to be, he still averaged 8.6 yards per reception and brought in more than 90% of his catchable passes last season. He’s not threatening the top five at the position, but he’s still a very good back.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) cuts past Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Kamara missed two games and most of another last season with injuries. He still led the team with 897 yards rushing and caught 57 passes for 490 yards. Kamara had two 100-yard rushing performances and two more of over 90 yards. He also had two outings of over 90 yards as a receiver. 

It can be argued that Kamara is coming off the worst year of his career. The numbers weren't bad, but slightly below his usual all-purpose production. He had a career-worst four touchdowns and only reached the end zone in two games. His usage and production as a receiver were abysmal at times, considering his ability. Kamara had 25 yards or less as a receiver in eight different contests last year. The Saints were just 3-5 in those games. 

After averaging over 81 catches over his first four seasons, Kamara has just 104 combined catches in the last two years. Coaches simply must find a way to get their star back more involved in the passing game, but he also needs to do more with his opportunities. 

Even in a down year of 1,387 yards from scrimmage, Kamara's spot in the PFF rankings is absurdly low. He's carried a short-handed New Orleans attack over the last two years and was at times their only bona-fide offensive threat.

Facing at least a six-game league suspension this season because of legal issues, Kamara's statistical production will likely dip more in 2023. Even when in the lineup, he may have to split touches with free-agent signee Jamaal Williams and third-round draft pick Kendre Miller. 

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

It's also just as likely that the additions of Williams and Miller will make Kamara more dangerous. Without another bona-fide threat at running back, opponents were able to fixate on Kamara. 

Alvin Kamara will turn 28 on July 25. However, he still possesses elite balance, vision, and versatility. His role in the New Orleans offense will change in 2023, but he will still be a focus of the team’s attack. Perhaps an even more lethal component with other backfield threats to draw defensive attention.