With football returning this week, this is the last time to get off the last of the bold predictions before the season. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton's bold prediction that Travis Etienne Jr. will lead the league in rushing would completely change the trajectory of the New Orleans Saints' season. Luckily for Saints fans, Kellen Moore and David Edwards are well acquainted with league-leading rushers.
The last two players to lead the league in rushing were Saquon Barkley and James Cook. Moore coached Barkely and was the architect behind the running back's best season from a raw yardage and yards per carry perspective.
Meanwhile, Edwards led the way for last year's leading rusher Cook. Does it hold as much weight as scheming up the offense like Moore did? No, but it does show Edwards' value as a blocker.
If Travis Etienne Jr. wins the rushing title, the Saints are Super Bowl contenders
Moore and Edwards' connection to running backs to who have won rushing titles, obviously, doesn't guarantee Etienne anything, but it does paint the picture of why this could be a special season. Moore's line of successful run games is well documented.
Moore has found success with many running backs, and Barkley was the greatest success story. Pair that with a mauler on the interior and there's reason to be optimistic of what Etienne can do.
Having a career season is not the same as winning the rushing title. History suggests Etienne will need at minimum 1500 yards on the ground, and that would still be on the low end of winners over the last decade. The most yards Etienne has had in his career is 1125.
It's a bold prediction for sure. Moton points to Moore's success and the investments the Saints have made into their offensive line as the reason this is possible.
The more measured version of Moton's take is found early in his explanation. "On his second team, he could be a breakout candidate in terms of taking a leap from solid to a top-tier running back." That would be great for the Saints, but Moton's bold take would send the team into a different stratosphere.
If Travis Etienne is the rushing champ, the Saints are going into championship conversations. They're certainly a playoff team, but the pieces outside of the running game are talented enough to see the Saints push into the conference championship game or Super Bowl.
If Etienne is running for that many yards, it's probably a sign that the Saints are playing with the lead, and/or have a really good defense. Let's assume the latter is at least true and solely turn our attention to the offense.
A running game on that level will help Tyler Shough and take pressure off his shoulders. Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson have already shown us what they can do through the air, and that may be all you really need.
Add in Devaughn Vele, who had a strong close to the season, and top-10 pick Jordyn Tyson, and the Saints have more than enough high ceiling weapons to be one of the league's best offenses if Etienne is a 1500+ yard rusher.
It's a huge if, but if Moton is correct, the Saints will be talked about as one of the best teams in the league by the end of the season.
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