The New Orleans Saints are set to travel north to Chicago to take on the Bears this Sunday. For Saints running back Kendre Miller, this upcoming game has probably been circled on his calendar ever since the schedule was released. It's really for one reason only: to wreak havoc on the Dennis Allen-led defense.
Allen was the coach who drafted Miller back in 2023. However, the two never really got on the same page, and their relationship got to a breaking point after DA would publicly share his frustration with the running back's health issues.
The real breaking point in their relationship, however, was when Allen placed Miller on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury last October. Per Ross Jackson of Louisianasports.net, Miller's IR stint was a surprise to many, because the injury was considered minor. That would reportedly become a source of frustration directed at DA, who would be fired just a week later after a loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Under Kellen Moore, Saints RB Kendre Miller has gotten a new lease on life
Heading into 2025, Kendre Miller would be healthy during the offseason for the first time in his career. Good timing on his part, because he would have to adapt to his new head coach, Kellen Moore. However, right when training camp started, the running back said he could already feel a big, positive difference. "I feel so fresh. Like right now, it doesn't feel like we've practiced for three days," Miller said to the media. "He (Kellen Moore) takes care of us."
Moore has emphasized that he wants Miller to have a clean slate. "Whatever's happened in the past, we acknowledge, but it has no bearing on the future," he said at the start of OTA's back in May.
Under Moore's new scheme, Miller has surpassed his personal record for most rushing yards in a season, with 186 yards on the ground through six weeks. Additionally, he has one rushing touchdown on the year (and if you want another reminder of how much Miller's injuries have held his career back, he's never had more than one in a season). If he can keep up the pace, Miller could have over 500 rushing yards and more touchdowns than he's ever had in his career.
Less than a week until Miller reunites with his former head coach; there is no word on whether or not there'll be an emphasis on giving him the ball. However, that idea has not been outright denied, so there may be more excitement than some expected. As the saying goes, revenge is a dish best served cold.