The New Orleans Saints secured their first victory of the season, defeating the turnover-plagued New York Giants 26-14. The Saints were outgained by the Giants but won the turnover battle 5-0. New Orleans attempted 30 rushes but only produced 88 yards on the ground (2.9 yards per carry). However, one interesting takeaway was the division of carries. For the first time this season, Kendre Miller out-carried Alvin Kamara 10-8.
Miller was also more effective as a runner, averaging 4.1 YPC to Kamara's 3.4.
Miller's role has been growing for three consecutive weeks, but this was the first time he got more rushing attempts. Kamara out-snapped Miller 37-26 and had more involvement in the passing game. Kamara ran 19 routes to Miller's 9.
Kamara also ranked second on the team with 6 targets, which tied a season-high.
HC Kellen Moore has been hesitant to use Miller in the passing game. Miller has only 3 targets all season, while Kamara ranks fourth on the team with 21 targets.
Miller's usage has increased as the season has progressed. He has now earned 11 touches in back-to-back games. Meanwhile, Kamara's touches have trickled off:
Week 1: 13 touches
Week 2: 27 touches
Week 3: 19 touches
Week 4: 19 touches
Week 5: 12 touches
It's too early to call this a split backfield but it seems to be trending in that direction. Moore could choose to give Miller more early-down work and keep Kamara in a change-of-pace/passing-down role in order to keep him healthy.
If that happens, it will put Miller on the weekly flex radar and could drop Kamara into low-end RB2 range.
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