Saints Already Have Alvin Kamara Successor In New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints have a lot of holes on their roster, but they could end up with more after the trade deadline. The Saints are expected to be aggressive sellers this year, which could mean players like Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave are traded.
The Saints were reportedly looking for running back help in the offseason, as it didn't seem like they had much depth beyond Kamara. If Kamara is dealt, the Saints' running back room could be even more depleted.
Molly Bauer of Who Dat Dish recently shared a lot of high praise for Miller, highlighting his solid performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 4.
Kendre Miller hype train gaining steam after Week 4 performance
"The running game was the main focus of the offense off rip; a no-brainer really, as the Bills had the worst rushing defense heading into the matchup," Bauer wrote. "Starting halfback Kamara took full advantage, looking as clean as can be on his 15 carries for 70 rushing yards. He wasn't alone in his efforts either. Third-year man Miller also had himself a day.
"Ever since Kellen Moore was hired back in February, he has emphasized that Kendre Miller is on a clean slate. That proved to be 100% the right move, as Miller has been on the up and up throughout the offseason and the first leg of the regular season. Against the Bills on Sunday, Miller showed off all his hard work in the best game since his rookie year, Miller gathered 65 rushing yards and one touchdown on 11 attempts. That's the second most yards of his career.
Miller looked very good in Week 4. He was given a lot more of a workload than anybody expected and he thrived in the role, averaging nearly six yards per carry. Miller also found the endzone for the Saints.
With all the rumors swirling around Kamara, there's a chance he's moved in the coming weeks. He's an aging veteran who the Saints could net a decent draft pick for in a deal.
If this happens, Miller will take over as the lead back in New Orleans and the youngster seems prepared to be the starter in the case.
Geno Smith, Raiders Must Fix Pressing Issue
The Las Vegas Raiders' season may still be in its early stages. However, the Raiders' third consecutive loss was an ugly one.
Why the Raiders Lost to the Bears
Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus recently analyzed every game from Week 4. Valentine explained why the Raiders lost to the Bears on Sunday. Geno Smith was undoubtedly the main reason why the Raiders lost a winnable game. Las Vegas has now lost three consecutive games.
"Another rough outing for Geno Smith. The Raiders quarterback has had a tough start to life in Las Vegas and was problematic again in Week 4. Smith’s decision-making seems all over the place, and the veteran quarterback threw another three interceptions against the Bears across three turnover-worthy plays," Valentine said.
Smith's play has continued to put the Raiders' defense in challenging positions. They almost always step up to the plate. However, as Sunday proved that there is only so much the defense can do, if Smith continues to give the ball to the other team.
Following Sunday's loss, Smith analyzed what happened on his three interceptions. Smith now has seven interceptions on the season, which is the most in the league. Smith knows he must figure things out.
“The first two, I thought Kevin [Byard lll] made great plays. They were playing Tampa 2, he's the Tampa safety player. He's carrying the vertical, as soon as I cut the ball loose, he stops, he dives and catches one. The other one, it kind of just hit him right in the chest. I'm putting this on myself, but sometimes they make great plays,” Smith said.
“The last one was just a terrible throw. And the reality is, again, is that I'm better than that, and I know that. Like I said, I don't know what the outside is going to say, I really don't care, but internally, I hold myself to a very high standard, and right now I haven't met that standard. There's a lot of hard work that needs to be done, and that's all I can focus on is making this stuff right."
