The New Orleans Saints will continue their march into the new season in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. Beaten and battered, the 49ers arrive at the Superdome hoping to prove to everyone that just because they’re down doesn’t mean they’re out. Let’s take a look at some keys to victory that the Saints will need to use to avoid an 0-2 start.
Keep Alvin Kamara Involved
Even at this point in his career, Alvin Kamara is the best weapon that New Orleans has. While that says more about the state of their roster than Kamara’s enduring capabilities, it’s the reality of the situation.
Because of that reality, it was curious to see Kamara’s involvement in Week 1 to be so minimal. 11 carries and two receptions were the summation of his touches in the season opener.
It’s entirely possible that Kellen Moore is looking to limit Kamara’s touches early in the season to protect his legs for the back half of the year. And while that’s a fine and noble endeavor, there’s a space in between the 13 touches Kamara had last week and an oversized workload. Progress towards striking that balance will be paramount to beating the 49ers this weekend.
Push it Downfield
With that said, Kamara can’t be the only one to contribute. For all of his talent, if the Saints are going to win this week then they’re going to need help from the other skill guys.
As we analyzed on Roundtable, Rashid Shaheed was not used in the most efficient way in Week 1. After having an average depth of target (aDOT) of 18.1 yards in 2024, his aDOT in the opener was a measly 8.7 yards.
As Kellen Moore continues to familiarize himself with the personnel on the roster, opening up the passing game will be a natural progression. Putting players like Shaheed in positions to maximize their abilities will be an important part of that process.
Make Mac Jones Uncomfortable
Few players have had as curious a trajectory as Mac Jones has in his career. After looking like a potential franchise quarterback early on with the New England Patriots, he faltered in Foxboro before being shipped down to his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars.
Looking overmatched in his starts with the Jaguars, he signed with the 49ers this offseason, uniting him with a head coach in Kyle Shanahan that’s been infatuated with the gunslinger since the 2021 draft. It’ll be up to New Orleans to end that honeymoon early as Jones fills in for the injured Brock Purdy.
It’s a task that their pass rush should be more than up to. Even without Chase Young, they recorded five sacks against Kyler Murray while limiting the dual threat quarterback to 38 rushing yards. With Jones being more renowned for his heavy feet than his mobility, the Saints could have plenty of opportunity to prove that last week’s pass rushing effort wasn’t a fluke.