With Mark Ingram out of the fold, Alvin Kamara will be the featured running back for the Saints in 2019.
The New Orleans Saints must remain efficient in these three key areas heading into the 2019 season. Now that wide receiver Michael Thomas is under a new contract; the team can focus on other areas of concern. Today, Saints Discussions list three areas that the ball club must continue to excel at if they want to be in the conversation for a Super Bowl title in early February.
1. Running Game Must Keep Defenses Honest
What has the made the Saints so successful over the past two seasons is their rushing attack’s ability to keep opposing defenses confused in regards to how to attack the run. Defenses have the option to either sell out for the run or roll dice and give up a screen pass that could result in a touchdown.
A particular tailback that was proficient in what Sean Payton wanted to do in regards to running the football was Mark Ingram. Mark is now with the Baltimore Ravens and the man stepping in to replace him is Latavious Murray.
The veteran running that came over from the Minnesota Vikings will have some huge shoes to fill this season. Alvin Kamara is a critical piece to the Saints offense, but the role that Latavious Murray will play in this offense will be just as important.
2. The Defense Must Continue to be Successful Against the Run
Numbers do not lie; the Saints defense was ranked number one for the defending the rush last year. For the entire 2018 season, opposing offenses only averaged 79.2 yards rushing against the unit. Another solid outing by the Saints rush defense, and d-line coach Ryan Nielsen’s name will be considered for future head coaching positions. The team’s turnaround on the defensive side of the football has been remarkable due to assistants like Ryan Nielsen.
3. Elite Offensive Line Performance
Before the injury to all-pro offensive Terron Armstead occurred in last year’s victory over the Bengals, the Saints were recognized as having the league’s best offensive line. Armstead would eventually return to the Saints lineup, but the offense was not as potent as it was when the season started. That was because the offensive line had lost its effectiveness to protect the quarterback adequately. If the Saints o-line can perform at an elite level for at least 90 percent of the season, then a Super Bowl title would be in reach.
Photo Courtesy of the Action Network.
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