Saints’ Kendre Miller inadvertently dunks on Dennis Allen with latest performance and proves that he can have a long career in New Orleans
Miller has come a long way with his new staff.
The relationship between running back Kendre Miller and Dennis Allen was always one that made headlines. National media even picked up on the perceived “vendetta” held by the former New Orleans Saints head coach against the young running back.
The end of the Allen tenure with New Orleans finished with a surprising placement on injured reserve for Miller. Allen had a firsthand push for that decision, and other players took notice of that choice.
“Per the source, the original plan for the running back, who “tweaked” his hamstring against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8, was to proceed with caution and keep him out of last week’s Carolina Panthers matchup but ultimately have him return in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons…
The back was instead placed on Injured Reserve, sparking frustration among the coaching staff who was confused as to why that would be necessary for such a minor injury. Apparently former Head Coach Dennis Allen “had a lot to do with it.” One source suggests a “lack of trust” in Miller’s ability to stay healthy may have been the driving force of Allen’s motivation.” — Ross Jackson
Kendre Miller’s role in offense growing under Kellen Moore
Luckily, Miller received a clean slate under this new coaching staff. He’s not wasting the opportunity, either, and that’s been a refreshing part of the frustrating season so far for Saints fans.
The talent for the backup RB has never been the issue. He runs with power, but he’s also a slippery mover with the ball in his hands. On most occasions, the first tackler doesn’t bring Miller down when he gets going. With some space provided by the offensive line, he took fula advantage of that in Week 4 against the Bills.
Specific fix that gets Miller more playing time now
When he entered the NFL, the young running back wasn’t the most proficient pass blocker. It was a skill that Miller had to improve upon if he wanted to see the field more often. Clearly, with additional reps and some positive reinforcement from the new coaching staff, Miller has taken steps forward in pass protection.
While it is a part of being an RB that gets overlooked, NFL coaches love backs who will put their body on the line to keep their quarterback clean on passing plays. Miller is accepting that far more often now, and it is showing up on film as well.
Finding consistency in the passing game out of the backfield, receiving or blocking, can keep Miller around the NFL for a long time. His physical running nature won’t diminish nearly as much as some speedsters’ skillsets as they age, and the Saints would be smart to continue using his talent to take some off the workload off veteran Alvin Kamara.
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