4 reasons to get super excited for New Orleans Saints training camp
• Jamaal Williams gives the Saints a powerful ground game
• The D-line could be better in 2023 despite the losses
• Saints could run the table in the NFC South
By Randy Gurzi
A 7-10 finish in 2022 ended a streak of five consecutive winning seasons for the New Orleans Saints. Even after Drew Brees retired and Jameis Winston suffered a torn ACL in 2021, the Saints went 9-8 under Sean Payton.
However, with Dennis Allen in charge, they struggled throughout the season and now enter 2023 trying to get things back on track. While there are no guarantees in the NFL, there are plenty of reasons to believe in the Saints — and here we dive into four examples that should have fans excited.
4. Jamaal Williams brings a new element to the ground game
Last year with the Detroit Lions, Jamaal Williams had the best season of his career. The former Green Bay Packer went for 1,066 yards and led the NFL with 17 touchdowns. Williams even went into the record books for the Lions. He now holds their record for the most rushing touchdowns in a season, topping Hall of Famer Barry Sanders by one.
Despite his success, the Lions moved on and Williams is set to be the No. 2 back for New Orleans (unless Alvin Kamara is suspended) after signing a three-year deal in the offseason.
Even when Kamara is playing, Williams is going to get plenty of touches. He's a 224-pound back capable of running between the tackles and is excellent near the goal line. He's also still relatively fresh since he's never been a workhorse back, but rather usually worked in a committee.
New Orleans has the ability to throw the ball with anyone now but bringing in Williams adds another dimension to the offense.