The New Orleans Saints went into their Week 16 game with the Tennessee Titans missing some key contributors with injuries, and damage sustained during the win cost them a few more. It directly impacted the snap count distribution for each position group, so let’s dig into it.
Offensive backfield
- QB Drew Brees, 68 (97%)
- RB Alvin Kamara, 44 (63%)
- FB Zach line, 26 (37%)
- QB Taysom Hill, 25 (36%)
- RB Latavius Murray, 25 (36%)
Kamara turned in his best game since his big day against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, and Hill made an impact while lining up at a variety of positions. This is the platonic ideal Saints backfield snap distribution.
Skills positions
- WR Michael Thomas, 61 (87%)
- TE Josh Hill, 42 (60%)
- WR Tre’Quan Smith, 38 (54%)
- TE Jared Cook, 36 (51%)
- WR Ted Ginn Jr., 25 (36%)
- WR Deonte Harris, 13 (19%)
- WR Krishawn Hogan, 7 (10%)
Hill has outsnapped Cook for most of the year, largely due to his proficiency as a blocker. But there’s no mistaking Hill’s impact in the passing game for Cook, who has averaged 77 receiving yards in his last five games. He’s also caught five touchdown passes in that time, giving the Saints something close to a consistent threat opposite Thomas.
Offensive line
- OT Terron Armstead, 70 (100%)
- OT Ryan Ramczyk, 70 (100%)
- OC Erik McCoy, 70 (100%)
- G/C Will Clapp, 70 (100%)
- G/C Nick Easton, 70 (100%)
- OT Michael Ola, 10 (14%)
Clapp and Easton had to stand in for Andrus Peat and Larry Warford, and the difference was palpable. The Saints offensive line is strong enough to absorb one of those losses, but they struggled without each of their Pro Bowl guards. The good news is that Peat should return soon, while Warford may be facing a more-extended absence. The unit posted a stronger performance in the second half than the first, but hopefully they can all get healthy before the playoffs begin.