Coming into training camp, there was much more pressure on Kendre Miller. When healthy, he’s been Alvin Kamara’s running mate, but the addition of Travis Etienne changed that dynamic significantly. Suddenly, Miller found himself in a crowded running back room, competing with Audric Estime and Devin Neal for RB3.
Miller responded in a major way, and Friday night’s preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys was a prime example. After the preseason, there is no debate of who the Saints RB3. Miller firmly snatched that role over the course of the last two weeks.
In the last game of the preseason, Miller delivered his best performance. He had 9 carries for 42 yards. He didn't hit the big 30 yard run like Estime did, but Miller gave you consistent yardage every time he touched the football.
Kendre Miller could be special with the Saints' improved offensive line
"Kendre Miller could be special." How many times are we going to say that? As long as he's on the roster to be honest, because he's just too talented not to say it.
Miller has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, so some fans may be tired of hearing it. However, as a player on the team, it would be reckless to not cover the talent of a player who is going to have a real role on this team.
Kamara is out for at least a month, and that will have him absent for at least the first couple games of the season. Because of that injury, Miller is going to complement Etienne for the first couple of weeks.
It's unknown if Kellen Moore will change the distribution of carries with Miller as the secondary back, but if he doesn't, Miller could be in for an impressive couple of weeks.
One thing this preseason game specifically showcased is what Miller can do with clean lanes to run through. He's extremely explosive, and when the hole is there, his acceleration is hard to miss. Problem is, there wasn't lanes nearly enough.
The Saints added David Edwards so that problem would be lessened. They should be a much better running game this year, and a large part of that has to do with the offensive line.
The Saints have the running backs to take advantage of that improvement. It could be Etienne, Kamara or Miller. Better running lanes typically means a better rushing attack, and it could mean more explosive plays for Miller.
The running back has all the physical tools needed, and now the offense is set up to put him a position to turn those tools into production.
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