In Klint Kubiak’s system, Alvin Kamara has become a workhorse for the New Orleans Saints. You could even make the argument he’s the biggest workhorse in the NFL. His 97 touches are the most in the NFL through four weeks.
It would be nice if Jamaal Williams or Kendre Miller, when he returns, would give some assistance. That hasn’t been the case, and Kamara is averaging over 24 touches per game. At this rate, he will topple his career-high 287 touches from 2021.
Kubiak’s last stop was with the San Francisco 49ers, and Kamara’s usage reflects Christian McCaffrey’s usage in 2023.
In that season, McCaffrey won Offensive Player of the Year. McCaffrey had the most touches in the NFL that season. The year is still young, but Kamara is in the same boat at the moment.
The term workhorse isn’t typically associated with McCaffrey or Kamara. They aren’t the style of running back you likely grew up watching. Their touches are spread out between rushing and receiving.
However, the style of play at the position has changed and the way we use that word should be tweaked too. McCaffrey didn’t have the most carries and neither does Kamara. They both lead their team in carries by a landslide while also being important receiving threats.
