Ups and downs from Saints vs. Falcons

The New Orleans Saints dropped to third in the NFC South after a close 26-24 loss to rival Atlanta Falcons. The team continued to struggle with glaring problems that caused their first loss of the season against the Philidelphia Eagles. While some issues were solved, the team has a lot to clean up before they can compete for a division title.

Up: Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara has been one of the bright spots in the Saints’ offense showing up when the unit has struggled. Despite playing with broken ribs, Kamara garnered over 100 yards of offense on Sunday, marking his fourth game this season going for 100+ yards. His role in Klint Kubiak’s offense has utilized his strengths. Even while seeking a new contract, Kamara fully participated in training camp and is completely bought into the team and system.

The eighth year back is leading the league in all-purpose yards (536) and earned six touchdowns on the young season. Kamara has looked like his former self, producing as one of the best backs in the league.

Down: Run defense
Through the first two games of the season the Saints’ run defense started strong, holding opposing teams to 126 rushing yards for 3.0 yards per carry. On Sunday, Atlanta rushed for 88 yards on 5.9 yards a carry highlighted by running back Tyler Allgeier, who accounted for 60 of the Falcons’ rush yards. Allgeier averaged 7.5 yards a carry. This comes a week after New Orleans allowed the Eagles to rush for 172 yards on 6.9 yards a carry.

The NFL is evolving and passing numbers have declined. Teams are opting for the run and capitalizing off of play action. A strong run defense forces teams to pass the ball, creating more opportunities for mistakes. With the Saints’ run defense struggling to stop the run during their losing streak, opposing teams are capitalizing with long drives that end with points.

Down: Injuries
Injuries have appeared on my downs every week of the season so far. Each week when it seems it can’t get worse, it just does. Taysom Hill left early in Sunday’s game and never returned. Linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who was filling in for an injured Demario Davis, would also leave early and not return.

The Saints injury report has consistently had 10+ names appear on it and continued to grow during the loss. The team has solid depth, but players such as Taysom Hill and Demario Davis are irreplaceable and provide a lot more than stats. If the team wants to continue to compete and make the playoffs, staying healthy will go a long way.

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