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New Orleans Saints: Running back unit is one of the best in the league

By Leigh Oleszczak

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 25: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 25, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 25: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 25, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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It’s important for the New Orleans Saints to have a strong running back group as they enter a new era without Drew Brees as their quarterback. Fortunately, the Saints have one of the best running back units in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.

Ben Linsey ranked every running back unit in the league and had the Saints as the third-best. Here’s what Linsey had to say:

"The Saints’ passing attack has valid concerns entering next season, with turnover at quarterback and questionable depth at wide receiver behind Michael Thomas. New Orleans’ run game should still be one of the best in the NFL, though.Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray complement each other well in the backfield, but Kamara is the clear reason why the Saints find themselves inside the top three on this list. He and Austin Ekeler are the only two running backs who have averaged over 2.0 receiving yards per route run since 2017. The fifth-year Tennessee product is one of the most elusive backs in the league, both as a runner and receiver."

As Linsey noted, Alvin Kamara alone is reason enough to put the Saints in the top three on this list because he’s that good. He’s been a monster both running the ball and serving as a pass-catcher and the Saints need him to continue to be that dominant with a new quarterback taking over.

Latavius Murray is as good of a backup as the Saints could hope for and he’s been terrific since joining the team in 2019. Murray is going to be leaned on even more in 2021 with the question mark at quarterback and Saints fans aren’t worried about him whatsoever.

The New Orleans Saints are well-established at running back.

Behind these two guys, the Saints don’t have an established third-string running back, but Ty Montgomery could be the option there if he’s not a cap casualty this summer. There are some younger options on the roster such as Tony Jones Jr. and Stevie Scott III who could make the team with an impressive showing over training camp and preseason.

While injuries happen at running back, the Saints are in good shape with Kamara and Murray leading the charge. The rest of the division rank No. 7 (Carolina), No. 26 (Tampa Bay), and No. 30 (Atlanta) showing that while the Saints are in a transition year, they still have the edge over their divisional foes in one key aspect.

Next. 3 Breakout Candidates for 2021 Season. dark

Alvin Kamara is a game-changer at running back and he’s the reason the New Orleans Saints will have one of the best units at the position for quite some time.