State of the Offseason Saints: Running Back

The Saints running game didn't produce much in 2023, and while it's not all on the backs, things need a second look.

The Saints have plenty of things to contemplate in the offseason, and we've already seen a few coaching changes on the offensive side. No matter how you slice it, New Orleans has to produce a winning product next season, and that means getting into the postseason. We keep looking over the state of each position group and what could be next for the team going into a new season. Today's focus is on the running back group, which didn't exactly live up to expectations in 2023.

Saints Running Back Overview

Dec 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs against Carolina Panthers defensive end Henry Anderson (94) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Players Under Contract: Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller, Jordan Mims (reserve/future)

Free Agent Outlook: James Robinson, Adam Prentice (RFA), Eno Benjamin

Priority Level: Medium

As a whole, the Saints running back group didn't deliver in 2023. There were moments things were okay and showed a few flashes, but the reality is New Orleans finished with the 21st ranked rushing attack at 102.5 yards/game and averaged 3.63 yards/carry (31st). Taysom Hill was the most efficient runner the team had, and the Saints were the only team in the league who did not have a running back that had a carry for 20 yards or more. 

Saints Rushing Leaders - 2023

1. Alvin Kamara - 180 attempts, 694 yards (3.9 average), long of 17, 5 TDs
2. Taysom Hill - 81 attempts, 401 yards (5.0 average), long of 27, 4 TDs
3. Jamaal Williams - 106 attempts, 306 yards (2.9 average), long of 17, TD
4. Kendre Miller - 41 attempts, 156 yards (3.8 average), long of 18, TD

Kamara's yards/attempt were the second lowest of his career, with 2021 being the lowest at 3.7. His involvement in the receiving department increased, as he finished with 75 catches out of the backfield, but the output was the lowest of his career at 6.2 yards/catch. Jamaal Williams also had a career-low in yards/carry, with the previous one coming in 2017 (3.6), his first season. Kendre Miller showed a ton of promise in the final game, but overall, he had problems getting on the field and missed a lot of games due to the ankle injury.

Now, all the blame should not be placed on the Saints running backs. The offensive line wasn't particularly consistent, and there should be some changes made in the offseason. The Detroit Lions are a prime example of what things should look like. They have two strong running backs and a killer offensive line to do things with a strong offensive coordinator. The formula isn't hard, but getting there seems to be a challenge for New Orleans.

Here's what Dennis Allen said in his end of season press conference regarding Kamara and the Saints running game.

"I would say, and this isn't just Alvin, I would say that I don't think that we've ran the ball as effectively as we need to be able to run the ball to be the type of offense we need to be. Now I would say this, I would say that Alvin I thought ran the ball physically this year. I thought that he ran the ball tough, and so, we didn't have quite the explosive plays that we're used to seeing him in terms of the run game, but I thought he was highly effective as a pass receiver. I thought he had a productive season, and I still think there's more to be had."

Allen was asked a follow-up question as to whether or not Kamara had lost a step, and his response was interesting. "I think you saw when there was space that he still has some of that same explosiveness. I think all of us, you said lose a step, I don't know what that term is, but you guys (media) get out of bed in the morning you don't move quite as well as you did 15 years ago. I think as you get older, look in particular that position, running back is a tough position, but I think he's still got plenty of ability to help us win."

State Of The Offseason Saints: Quarterback

What's interesting about some of the culture changes that Dennis Allen alluded to fixing in the offseason brings a certain question mark regarding Kamara's future. Kamara and Allen didn't see eye-to-eye earlier this season when a comment was made regarding the Saints lacking an identity. It could be nothing. It could be something.

New Orleans also has to find a new running backs coach now that Joel Thomas left for the Giants. He had been with the team since 2015. The Saints could have blocked the move, but they didn't. It feels like things could look wildly different in the room next season, but we'll certainly see what ends up happening. Regardless, the team has to have a solid rushing attack next season that will start up front.