Who Dat Dish
Fansided

Saints’ success remains tied to their elite passing attack

By Justin Dunbar

Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) is defended by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Gladney (20) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) is defended by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Gladney (20) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

The Vikings Caveat

If there was ever a game in which the Saints were going to be able to run the ball with ease, it was against the Vikings.

Even if you exclude this 264-yard rushing performance, Minnesota was still allowing 125.5 rushing yards/game, which would rank 21st in the NFL. In the previous five games, that number sat at 143.4, which is a really high total.

So, why are the Vikings so easy to run on? Before the start of the season, they saw nose tackle Michael Pierce opt-out due to COVID-19 concerns, which was a major problem for him- they have very little depth on the interior defensive line.

However, due to their linebackers, they still were able to defend the run at a competent level.

In this game, though, Minnesota was without their top three linebackers.

When that is the case, how can you expect them to maintain their run fits. Yes, New Orleans’ offensive line paved clear holes for Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray, but acting like the Vikings didn’t play a major role in this rushing explosion would be silly.

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