The New Orleans Saints beat the Tennessee Titans 34-26 on Sunday afternoon. Running back Audric Estime had the best game of his young career, with 14 carries for 94 yards and one touchdown. His effort was a key reason the Saints grabbed their fourth straight victory.
Estime’s 32-yard touchdown run with 3:44 remaining in the fourth quarter exemplified his outstanding performance. This extended the Saints' lead to eight, but quietly bigger than just one run . Fans hadn’t witnessed a run like that in over five years.
When was the last time you saw a run like that from a Saints running back? Way too long. Estime’s 32-yard rush was the longest run by a Saints running back since Christmas Day in 2020, when Alvin Kamara had a 40-yard scamper as part of his six-touchdown performance. This stat is shocking and shows how the Saints may need to invest in some more explosive talent.
Saints need to acquire more explosive talent this offseason
The Saints not having a run over 32 yards since 2020 is a strong sign that they should obtain some explosive backfield talent this offseason. That could be Kendre Miller, whom they drafted in the third round in 2023, but he hasn’t shown the ability to stay healthy. It used to be Kamara, but he isn’t getting any older. Rookie Devin Neal has also shown flashes, but he is more of the type to gain yards with his nuanced skill set and hard running.
Estime isn’t the most explosive player. In fact, he’s considered slow for the position, running a 4.71 40 yard dash at the Combine. His sub-par speed was a major reason he fell in the draft. Estime’s been great when given the opportunity, but he isn’t a consistent home-run threat.
Lots of Saints fans want the team to draft Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who was a Heisman finalist this season. Love is extremely explosive and would be a dynamic threat for years to come. They could take that avenue or sign someone in free agency. Regardless, it would be wise to provide reinforcements to that room that has consistently been decimated by injuries.