Alvin Kamara Has Big Night in Loss to Jaguars

The Saints nearly pulled out an improbable win against Jacksonville, thanks mostly to a huge performance from their star running back.

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara had a big night against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, albeit in a 31-24 loss. Kamara rushed 17 times for 62 yards and caught 12 passes for 91 yards while adding a 2-point conversion. He led all players in rushing yards, receiving yards, and receptions. 

Kamara was responsible for seven of QB Derek Carr's 11 first-half completions and accounted for 49% of the team's first-half yardage. Of Kamara's 29 touches in the game, 12 resulted in first downs. He was one of the few bright spots for the Saints, picking up 153 of the team's 407 total yards. 

This was a New Orleans offensive line that had played poorly all season and was without three starters against the Jaguars. A Jacksonville defense that game-planned to contain him and ranked third against the run coming into the game.

The Saints converted just 3 of 18 third down attempts against the Jaguars. Kamara was responsible for two of those conversions, along with three of the team's four successful fourth down attempts. There were times where he almost singlehandedly carried the offense as they climbed back from a 24-9 third quarter deficit to tie the game in the fourth. 

Kamara's 29 touches were his most in a game since Week 5 of last year against the Seahawks. His 153 scrimmage yards and 91 receiving were his most since Week 8 of last year against the Raiders. Unlike the last two years, we're seeing Kamara play a larger in the passing game. 

Since returning from a three-game suspension, Kamara has 261 rushing yards and 35 receptions for 177 yards in four outings. That's an average of 26 touches and 109.5 scrimmage yards per contest. He's averaging nearly nine receptions per game, nearly triple what he's had the last two years.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs past Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23). Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has done little right since becoming the primary play-caller last year. One of the few things is relying on Alvin Kamara this season. While still being used too often as an inside runner, Carmichael is at least feeding defenses a large dose of the team's best player and getting him more involved as a receiver. 

In just seven seasons, Kamara is the franchise's all-time leader in total touchdowns (73) and yards from scrimmage along with receptions and receiving yards for a running back. He's also second in franchise history for rushing scores and rushing yardage. 

Expect the Saints, with their moribund offense, to continue to ride the versatile abilities of Alvin Kamara. At a disappointing 3-4, doing so might be the only way to salvage their season.