Former New Orleans Saints quarterback and now WWL radio host, Bobby Hebert, had high praise for Alvin Kamara during the coaches show with Dennis Allen. Hebert called the running back “a young 29.”
At running back, the age of 30 is that point where people begin to mentally write off players. Hebert cautioned fans against doing that with Kamara. He still sees a player with a lot in the tank: “I’ve seen the burst in OTA’s in minicamps. I still think he can hit it and get it.”
Sunday’s performance backs that statement. Kamara ran for an easy 83 yards and didn’t run the ball in the final 18 minutes. It was still more yards than he ran for in a single game a year ago.
And when you look at how Kamara compares to other running backs who have made high-profile moves in free agency, it’s easy to think he could have a lot left in the tank. Kamara has carried the ball 1,330 times in his 102-game career. Josh Jacobs is catching up to him with 1,321 attempts through his first 74 games. Saquon Barkley is already up to 1,225 carries in just 75 games. Aaron Jones isn’t far behind at 1,191 attempts in 98 games. Derrick Henry is well ahead at 2,043 in 120 games.
Allen saw the same dynamic ability in the running backs room, and praised the offensive line’s performance: “There was a lot said about the offensive line going into the season, and rightfully so. It was a question mark because we had three new starters.”
In Week 1, the unit performed well. Allen has the team at 2.9 yards per carry before contact, first in the NFL. No matter who you play, that will always be a recipe for success.
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