Alvin Kamara Silences Critics, Proves He’s Still the Saints’ Offensive Engine
Alvin Kamara played a major role in the New Orleans Saints 17-7 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The 30 year old running back reached over 100 scrimmage yards for the second time this season. This game showed that Kamara still has gas in the tank and that he still is a viable option for Tyler Shough as a receiver.
Kamara had 22 carries for 83 yards as a rusher and three receptions for 32 yards through the air. Although Shough had an amazing day, a major reason was Kamara forcing the defense to respect the run.
Kellen Moore still clearly believes that Kamara can be a star back; he wouldn’t reach 25 touches in a game elsewise. His usage has been inconsistent this year but he’s trending back in the right direction now. The Saints must continue to utilize him throughout the remainder of the season.
Alvin Kamara is a valuable on the field and off the field asset for the Saints
The “expiration date” for an NFL running back is said to be approximately 28 years old, but Kamara has changed the narrative by showing that he can still be productive late in his career. It’s a luxury that the Saints should use to help their rookie quarterback and develop the young backs behind him.
A running back and a solid tight end are crucial for a rookie quarterback. They are vital options for him when he’s under pressure or just needs a quick outlet. Kamara fills this role perfectly as he’s an outstanding route runner and has sure hands. Shough needs to continue leaning on him and trusting him to create dynamic plays for the offense.
Another underrated piece that Kamara impacts is the development of the other running backs behind him. Devin Neal and Kendre Miller are both young players who have benefited from his mentorship. His leadership and teaching can extend to the entire offense as a whole. He’s a fabulous locker room presence who has undoubtedly helped the team navigate their early-season struggles.
Alvin Kamara is an invaluable asset for the New Orleans Saints. He isn’t slowing down on the field as he’s coming off a game with his most touches and yards on the year. Kamara needs to continue this level production as the Saints look to finish the season strong.
Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel can't understand why people believe in Broncos' Bo Nix
The Denver Broncos are 8-2, but after their close 10-7 win over the lowly Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night Football in Week 10, there has been some pushback on the Broncos' record and contender status.
One of the main subjects of criticism has been Broncos' second-year quarterback Bo Nix. He's had his ups and downs in his NFL career, but lately, he's struggled a bit more than usual.
Those struggles led Super Bowl Champion cornerback Asante Samuel, whose son just signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, to blast Nix on Twitter/X. Samuel doesn't understand why people (fans, media, etc.) believe in Nix.
Asante Samuel blasts Broncos' Bo Nix amid struggles
"Please don't tell me anyone believes in Bo Nix." Samuel posted. "He isn't like that!"
Nix has gone through his fair share of struggles, but for a former NFL player, one who still has connections to the NFL, to blast Nix like this is surprising.
The 25-year-old quarterback has been inconsistent this season. He's had incredible comebacks, the wild wins over the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, but has also had poor performances surrounding those comebacks.
Against the Raiders, he went 16 for 28 for 150 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. It's the fourth straight game for Nix with at least one turnover.
He has 2,126 passing yards and 18 touchdowns on the year, but his eight interceptions are not great, especially with four coming in the last three weeks.
With his latest game coming in primetime, his struggles were brought to the center stage. While Nix isn't the worst quarterback in the league, he does have some struggles he needs to get over.
His 60.9 completion percentage is nearly six percent worse than it was in his rookie season. He's slightly worse in most categories this season.
But there's still one reason to be optimistic in Nix and believe in him, unlike Samuel. Nix is great at avoiding sacks, with a league-leading 2.78 sack percentage.
Samuel's blasting of Nix is just another hater of Nix. He's faced plenty of boo's, including from his own fanbase, and if he doesn't turn things around, those boo's and criticism will continue.
But Denver is 8-2, and a Week 11 win over the Kansas City Chiefs would be a great way to deny his haters. Samuel might not believe in Nix, but there's reason to believe the second-year quarterback can prove him wrong.
