In Week 7, New Orleans Saints fans finally saw something they’ve been waiting to see for a while: Kendre Miller on the football field. After a hamstring injury on the first day of training camp led to Miller starting the year on injured reserve, he’s finally back healthy, and tapping into the promise he showed his rookie year.
Miller’s first action of the year came in a blowout loss for the Saints, but it was still great to see him back in the field playing. He touched the ball eight total times, rushing six times for 36 yards and catching two passes for a total of one yard. His six yards per carry, and 16-yard run, had fans really excited.
It was only his first game back, so he didn’t have a massive role. However, fans are ready to see that change. Turns out, the Saints are ready to see a change as well, as the team is eager to increase Miller’s role. However, New Orleans wants to see more from the young running back before that happens.
Dennis Allen appeared on the WWL coaches show on Monday, and he talked about wanting to get Miller more involved. In order for that to happen, Miller needs to respond to a challenge from Allen to improve his pass protection and route definition.
DA said Adebo will be a tough loss. Taylor will play more on the outside along w/ McKinstry.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) October 22, 2024
DA said they want to get Kendre Miller more involved. "I think for him its some of the other things ... the protection, the route definition, those are things he needs [to improve]"
Saints want to see Kendre Miller become an all-around running back
These are typically the struggles of a young running back; running the ball is the easy part. Things like pass protection and running routes the right way are the details that make a difference for running backs in the pros.
A lot of that growth comes from reps and being on the field. Unfortunately, injuries have made getting that experience hard for Miller. You can’t get back time, though, so Miller will have to figure things out on the fly, because the Saints need him as they try to turn their season around.
Through seven weeks, it’s become clear the only running backs the team this comfortable relying on are Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill. Hill, however, has missed multiple games with injuries, and Kamara has been playing through injuries.
If a healthy, young Kendre Miller can help carry the load, it’d make everyone’s life easier, and would also give the offense some much-needed juice.