Saints Must Unleash Jamaal Williams

Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael must be ready and patient to unleash running back Jamaal Williams on the Carolina Panthers defense.

Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael must concentrate on the Saints' offense going through their rushing attack against the Panthers. When they signed Williams, the expectation was that he would add the thunder element to complement Alvin Kamara's lightning effect out of the New Orleans backfield.

The veteran rusher was inserted on 49 offensive snaps (75%), touching the football 20 times. He gained 45 yards on 18 carries and caught two passes for 7 yards; unfortunately, Williams was kept out of the endzone in the season opener against the Titans. Tonight, the veteran running back must become a focal point for Carmichael to alleviate the pressure from the Carolina pass rushers and keep the linebackers and secondary honest.

Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (30) dances as he walks the hashmarks before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 1, the Atlanta running backs, Allgier and Robinson, were in for 62 offensive snaps. The Falcons backfield accounted for 131 yards and two touchdowns as they prevailed 24-10 over the Panthers. On Monday Night Football, the Saints could use a similar approach and run directly at the core of Carolina's defensive line. It's a unit anchored by the former Saints d-lineman, Shy Tuttle.

SNN's Bob Rose mentioned in his analysis, " The Panthers struggled to contain Falcons running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier in the opener, allowing a combined 131 yards and 5.2 per carry. This is mostly the same unit that surrendered eight rushers of at least 70 yards in 2022, including three 100-yard outings."

Sep 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (21) leaps to avoid the tackle of Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker (37) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints' offensive line could have had a better Week 1 performance. At times, Trevor Penning struggled while surrendering 1.5 sacks to Titans defensive end Arden Key. The 2022 first-rounder could have his hands full protecting Carr from Panthers DE Brian Burns. One of the best ways to neutralize a quicker and more agile opponent is to hit them with body blows, i.e., use the run. Especially to set up the play-action phase for Carr and the Saints wideouts.

Carmichael must be patient in his play calling and ready to deploy a consistent dose of running plays. If third-round draft pick Kendre Miller can't make it to the field, Tony Jones Jr. will be ready for New Orleans. Taysom Hill will be relied upon to execute the off-schedule plays. Still, Jamaal Williams is the key tonight for New Orleans. Nevertheless, every game in Carolina is a "wall-banger" between the Saints and Panthers. Will Williams be tough enough to handle the load? And, will Carmichael stick with him?

We shall see.