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Could 2021 be a career year for Saints’ Latavius Murray?

By Mervin Walls

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 24: Latavius Murray #28 of the New Orleans Saints scores a 26 yard touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter in the game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 24, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 24: Latavius Murray #28 of the New Orleans Saints scores a 26 yard touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter in the game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 24, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Defenses around the league are fully aware of the playmaking ability of Pro Bowl talent Alvin Kamara, but could this upcoming season be a career year for another running back with the New Orleans Saints organization?

During the Sean Payton era, the New Orleans Saints have seen their greatest success behind great quarterback play accompanied by a strong running game. Therefore, as Drew Brees has announced retirement, the running game must take an expanded role in the upcoming season.

While the New Orleans Saints have four-time Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara to wreak havoc on defenses each week, there may be another talent that may have an increased role in the running game next season.

With Drew Brees having retired, the Saints will look to the run game more often, and that could mean a career year for Latavius Murray.

Since 2019, Latavius Murray has proven to be an integral part of the Saints offense using a combination of power, vision, and quickness.

Murray’s best year as a Saint came in 2020 when he amassed 646 yards while averaging an impressive 4.5 yards a carry. In 2020, Murray also contributed to the passing game hauling in 23 out of 26 targets.

Latavius Murray’s best year in the league came in 2015 as a member of the Oakland Raiders in which he rushed for 1066 yards and 232 receiving yards.

Throughout his career, Murray has averaged over four yards a carry and seven yards per reception. With a change at QB this upcoming season, expect Murray to have an expanded role in the Saints offense.

Murray had one of his best games of the season with Taysom Hill starting while Brees was injured. With a quarterback battle expected to be close, if Hill wins, it could signal a big season on the way for the veteran.

As Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas may draw most of the attention from defenses, expect Sean Payton to give Latavius Murray plenty of opportunities to shine in 2021. Murray may not be the most dynamic back, but he is physical and full of tools to get extra yardage.

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He’s the thunder to Kamara’s lightning, and both could be in store for breakout seasons next year.

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