Saints Rushing Attack Needs Big Day at Vikings
With their second straight win over the Chicago Bears last week, the New Orleans Saints improved to 5-4 and grabbed first place in the NFC South. The win over the Bears wasn't easy. New Orleans left some scoring chances on the field offensively in the second half and were porous on defense in the first half.
The Saints also had a string of three consecutive outings of over 400 yards in total offense broken by Chicago. However, it was the offense that kept New Orleans in the game during a first half where their defense was shredded.
New Orleans ranks 13th in total offense after nine games with an average of 343.8 yards per outing and 21.7 points per game to rank 15th. They've created most of their production through the air, but need balance from a running game that's been inconsistent.
The Saints travel to face a 5-4 Minnesota Vikings team that's won four straight and five of six. A few of Minnesota's top offensive stars are sidelined by injuries, but can still be dangerous on that side of the ball. The Vikings defensive improvement under coordinator Brian Flores is an equally big reason for their winning streak.
Minnesota ranks 14th in total defense, allowing 328 yards and 21.1 points per game. The Vikings have been vulnerable against the pass but have been much more stout against the run. Here's how they match up against the Saints running game.
Minnesota Run Defense
Sep 10, 2023; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (44) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (97). Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY
The Vikings surrender an average of 103 yards per game on the ground, ranking 12th in the league. They've allowed only one 100-yard rusher and no one else as many as 70 yards on the ground. Opponents manage just 3.7 yards per carry against Minnesota, which ranks fifth among all teams.
Minnesota has a thin but big-bodied defensive front that ties up blockers for their 3-4 scheme. Dean Lowry, Jonathan Bullard, Harrison Phillips, and Jaquelin Roy have combined for just four tackles for loss. However, each are capable of occupying multiple blockers and causing a stalemate at the line of scrimmage.
Outside LBs Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum are disruptive pass rushers. Both are former 4-3 DEs that play solid against the run. The Vikings have a trio of active inside LBs who flow to the ball decisively. Second-year LB Brian Asamoah has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but looks like he'll be available this week.
Nine-year veteran LB Jordan Hicks has taken over for longtime vet Eric Kendricks as the team's defensive leader. Hicks is tied for the team lead with 80 tackles, including 47 solo stops and three for loss. He's a savvy defender never out of position and always around the ball. Undrafted rookie LB Ivan Pace has been a pleasant surprise while Asamoah has been out and has 32 total tackles.
The Vikings have a group of versatile safeties that make plays in coverage but also play a big role against the run. Heady veteran Harrison Smith is one of the most respected defensive backs in the game and still makes big plays all over the field. Lewis Cine, a 2022 first-round pick, is starting to see more playing time though not fully recovered from a gruesome leg injury last year.
While Cine has been out, third-year S Camryn Bynum has stepped up to tie for the team lead in tackles and add a physical element to the unit. Josh Metellus adds quality depth to the back end.
New Orleans Rushing Attack
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. © Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Saints average 104 yards per game on the ground, ranking 18th in the NFL. However, their 3.6 per carry ranks a lowly 29th and they've been held under 100 yards rushing in five of nine outings.
Alvin Kamara leads the Saints in rushing with 346 yards in six games since returning from suspension. The versatile Kamara is the focal point of the offense. However, he's averaging only 3.6 per carry and has just one game of over 70 yards on the ground. Capable of beating defenses as an inside runner, along the edges, or as a receiver, Kamara has elite balance and vision.
It should come as no surprise that versatile weapon Taysom Hill is the second leading rusher for New Orleans. Hill has 255 yards on the ground with a team-high three rushing scores and average of 5.4 per carry. A power runner with excellent speed, Hill is also a threat as a passer and receiver.
Hill's running style has helped the Saints vastly improve their red zone percentage in recent weeks. The team will often use a power package consisting of two extra tackles and DT Khalen Saunders as a blocking back near the goal line.
Jan 5, 2020; New Orleans Saints Taysom Hill (7) against past Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) breaks a big run against the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Derick Hingle-USA TODAY
Jan 5, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints player Taysom Hill (7) against past Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) during the fourth quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
With Hill’s abilities in short yardage, touches have been cut for seventh-year RB Jamaal Williams. Best between the tackles, Williams has 124 yards over five games in his first year with New Orleans. He isn't nearly as versatile or dynamic as Kamara, but Williams is a more than capable back if called on to shoulder the load.
Rookie RB Kendre Miller does possess explosive and versatile traits. However, Miller has struggled with various leg injuries this season that have further limited his opportunities. He still has 83 rushing yards and 111 more on nine receptions. An ankle injury sustained last Sunday has Miller's availability in doubt against Minnesota.
After major early season struggles, a reshuffled New Orleans offensive line has performed better in recent weeks. New Orleans has rushed for 360 yards over the last three games while averaging 3.8 per carry. It's still not an ideal number for a team that needs balance. However, consider that the Saints averaged less than 88 yards on the ground and 3.5 per rush through their first four contests.
Andrus Peat has replaced benched 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning at left tackle. Kamara and Hill are terrific off-tackle runners behind Peat and RT Ryan Ramczyk. Guards James Hurst, Cesar Ruiz, and C Erik McCoy are capable blockers, but must get better push on inside rushing attempts.
What to Watch
Oct 28, 2018; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
How could one forget when Kamara rushed for 155 yards and an NFL-record six rushing touchdowns in a Christmas Day rout of the Vikings in 2020. Outside of that, Minnesota has actually contained Kamara fairly well, holding him under 80 all-purpose yards in three of four other meetings.
Kamara has been heavily involved in the offense since his return from suspension. Expect him to get a lot of touches again against Minnesota. He'll need to deliver big production against a physical Vikings defensive front.
As most New Orleans fans know, the Saints have an 18-1 record when Taysom Hill runs at least seven times. Jamaal Williams will get a few touches, but this running game lies on the shoulders of Kamara and Hill.
The Saints offensive line needs to get push and open up cutback lanes for their runners. It's a line that's performed better recently, but must establish balance for this offense to have any reasonable success.
