Kendre Miller’s Breakout Performance Signals Shift in Saints Backfield Dynamics
The New Orleans Saints altered their backfield strategy during Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills, and the change paid off—primarily thanks to Kendre Miller’s impactful performance.
Miller showcased his potential by racking up 65 rushing yards, marking the second-highest total of his young career. Additionally, he found the end zone for the first time this season, hinting at a promising trajectory. As one analyst noted, this game could signal an upward trend in his utilization going forward.
Kamara’s Role Remains Key
While Alvin Kamara continues to hold the title of RB1 in New Orleans, Miller’s recent displays of power and effectiveness make it increasingly challenging for the coaching staff to keep him sidelined for extended periods. Given that Miller may have a longer-term future with the Saints than Kamara, the team faces an interesting dilemma as they navigate their backfield strategy.
Rising Snap Counts Indicate Growing Trust
A noteworthy aspect of Miller’s performance was his season-high participation on the field, logging 21 snaps—a significant increase from the 20 he played the previous week. This upward trend in his snap count reflects a growing trust from the coaching staff. In Week 4, he was involved in 31.3% of the Saints’ offensive plays. If Miller can further elevate this percentage, he stands to solidify his role and showcase what the future of New Orleans’ backfield might entail.
Future Outlook for the Saints’ Backfield
Although Kamara will likely remain the predominant option for pass-catching duties, Miller is carving out a niche for himself as a viable early-down runner. This evolving dynamic is a positive sign for the Saints as they reassess their backfield composition in the long term.
As the team looks ahead, Miller’s performance offers a glimpse into the potential reshaping of their running game, a development that could have significant implications for the Saints moving forward.
