Saints' Shorthanded Running Game Must Establish Balance Versus Titans

Establishing balance will be critical for the Saints against a formidable Tennessee run defense.

The New Orleans Saints are expected to have a much more explosive passing game in 2022. Quarterback Derek Carr was added as a top priority. Other additions TEs Foster Moreau and Jimmy Graham and RBs Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller join RB Alvin Kamara, WRs Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Rashid Shaheed along with TE Juwan Johnson.

The Saints also expect a much-improved running attack in 2023. New Orleans averaged 116.6 yards on the ground last season, ranking 19th in the NFL. They managed just 12 rushing scores and 4.3 per carry, both ranking 22nd.

Aside from Kamara and Taysom Hill, they had no viable threats out of the backfield. This allowed defenses to put extra focus on Kamara, limiting his effectiveness as a runner and receiver. 

Kamara is now suspended for the first three games of the year as the Saints take on a physical Tennessee Titans defense to open the regular season. Still, this season's squad looks far more equipped to handle such a loss compared to recent years.

Saints Rushing Attack vs. Titans Run Defense 

New Orleans Running Game 

Aug 11, 2023; New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (30) works on offensive drills during training camp. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Lost amid Carr's arrival and other splashy moves was the solid free-agent pickup of RB Jamaal Williams. A good complementary back for the first four years of his career in Green Bay, Williams had a breakout campaign in his second year with Detroit. He led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns and finished with a career-best 1,066 yards on the ground while averaging 4.1 per carry. 

Williams, 28, is a power back that is consistent between the tackles but also has nice athleticism in the open field. He isn't nearly the receiver that Kamara is, but is a solid option on screens and check-down passes. 

Third-round pick Kendre Miller looks like an explosive playmaker. However, Miller is dealing with a hamstring injury and looks like he'll be sidelined for this game. If that's the case, then the Saints will go with converted wideout Kirk Merritt and elevate either undrafted rookie Jordan Mims or veteran Tony Jones Jr. from the practice squad for depth. 

Aug 20, 2023; New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (25) runs through a lane against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans will also use versatile weapon Taysom Hill out of the backfield. Listed as a backup tight end and quarterback, most of Hill’s snaps will come out of the backfield. He led the team with seven rushing scores in 2022 and had a career-high 575 yards on the ground. Hill is a power runner that bowls over defenders with impressive speed to break big plays. 

No matter who carries the ball, the Saints will have to win battles at the line of scrimmage if they hope to establish any balance. The second and third string offensive line was abysmal in preseason, but the starters have the ability of a top-tier unit. 

There are some concerns over the pass blocking of second-year LT Trevor Penning, but no such worries over him as a run blocker. He's a mauler that blows open holes for his runners with the athleticism to lead on edge runs or screens. Left guard James Hurst is a savvy veteran who looks like he'll get the start over Andrus Peat. 

Erik McCoy is one of the game's most consistent centers. Fourth-year RG Cesar Ruiz was arguably the team’s most consistent blocker last season. Knee issues have slightly slowed All-Pro RT Ryan Ramczyk, but he's still an elite run blocker with the ability to stifle top pass rushers.

Tennessee Run Defense 

Nov. 14, 2021; The Titans defense stops New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (14). © Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Titans were the NFL's top-ranked unit against the run in 2022, allowing just 77 yards per game and 3.4 per rush. Tennessee held 14 of their 17 opponents under 100 yards on the ground and surrendered only nine rushing scores on the year.

A powerful defensive line leads the way for the Titans. Disruptive ends Denico Autry and Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons combined for 17 tackles for loss. Big-bodied NT Teair Tart does a great job of tying up blockers, but also gets fantastic push in the middle. 

Edge rushers Harold Landry, Arden Key, and Rashad Weaver pressure the passer well, but also provide good run support. Inside linebackers Jack Gibbens and Monty Rice physically fill rushing lanes and are rarely out of position. 

Fifth-year LB Azeez Al-Shaair was brought over from the 49ers to upgrade the athleticism of that unit. Al-Shaair has fantastic play recognition and is lightning fast in pursuit. Overshadowed in a 49er defense loaded with stars, he could shine in Tennessee's defense. 

The Titans have a physical secondary that's aggressive in run support. Safeties Kevin Byard said Amani Hooker are both able to step into the tackle box and be as effective as an extra linebacker. 

What to Watch 

Nov. 14, 2021; New Orleans Saints Taysom Hill (7) gets by Tennessee Titans linebacker Monty Rice (56). © Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

For those who expect the Saints to have a pass-heavy attack after the addition of Carr: Realize that Dennis Allen is a defensive-minded coach that wants his offenses to be balanced and control possessions. Yes, we should see a much-improved passing game, but these Saints will also work to establish their rushing attack. Doing so will also decrease pressure on Carr and open up play-action chances.

New Orleans prepared for Kamara's eventual suspension and addressed a big weakness by upgrading their backfield. If Miller can't play it will be a big blow, but Williams is capable of shouldering the primary role. 

Merritt, Jones, or Mims could see some action, but expect Hill to be the primary complement to Williams. The Saints will likely attack Tennessee with off-tackle runs behind Penning and Ramczyk with their guards and McCoy pulling or being responsible for cutback lanes. 

New Orleans simply needs to win their battles in the trenches for any hopes of offensive success. They don't necessarily have to run for 120+ yards, but must show that they can at least establish the run and be successful in short yardage.