Latest news with #AlvinKamara
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Most Underrated Saints Player Highlighted By PFF
The New Orleans Saints haven't gotten much respect from oddsmakers or through the national media this offseason. Some of that is valid. The Saints are coming off a 5-12 season and four years without a playoff appearance. New Orleans has a new coach in Kellen Moore and a new opening day starting quarterback in either Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler. Advertisement The Saints do have some talent. Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed are explosive offensive threats. Erik McCoy is one of the finest centers in the game, and tackle Taliese Fuaga is a rapidly rising young talent. On defense, Demario Davis remains one of the league's best all-around defenders. Bryan Bresee is becoming a disruptive force, with defensive backs Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor looking poised to take the next step among the NFL's best. Bresee, McKinstry, Olave, and Shaheed are often overlooked in national circles. However, Pro Football Focus (PFF) identifies another New Orleans player that might be the most underrated on the Saints roster. Carl Granderson, DE Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96). Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images In an article through PFF last week, writer Jonathan Macri highlights the most underrated player on every NFL roster heading into the 2025-26 season. Former Saint David Onyemata was Macri's choice for the Atlanta Falcons. Here was why Macri identified Granderson for the Saints. ''Granderson's teammate Cameron Jordan has long been a poster boy for the league's most underrated players, but with Jordan reaching the end of his career, Granderson has taken over that lead edge defender role and is potentially an underrated player in his own right. Over the past two regular seasons, Granderson has delivered 119 quarterback pressures — the 16th most among all players at his position. He not only adds much-needed pass-rush upside, but his 80.7 PFF run-defense grade since 2022 ranks tied for 12th at the position.'' Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is pressured by New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96). Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Granderson, 28, was signed by the Saints as an undrafted rookie out of Wyoming in 2019. He was a rotational or situational player over his first four seasons. Despite limited snaps in 54 games, he still managed 14.5 sacks, 28 QB hits, and 20 tackles for loss. Advertisement Since 2023, Granderson has started all 34 contests and appeared in over 75% of the Saints' defensive snaps. In 2023, Granderson had 8.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, and 14 tackles for loss to lead the team in all three categories. Last season, Granderson's 9 stops for loss again led all New Orleans defenders. He also had 5.5 sacks and 13 QB hits to finish second on the team. New Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is expected to incorporate more 3-4 concepts in the team's defense. This may fit Granderson's best attributes even better as the Saints look to improve on a defense that ranked a lowly 30th overall and managed only 39 sacks. New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) rushes against the Green Bay Packers. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images At 6'5" and 261-Lbs., Granderson is a lengthy athlete with a long reach and excellent bend around the edge. His run defense has improved through his career, but he's most impactful to the Saints defense as a pass rusher. Advertisement New Orleans did not address their edge rusher position until the seventh round of the draft and not at all through outside free agents. They did re-sign Chase Young, who had a similar statistical output as Granderson in 2024 with 5.5 sacks, 21 QB hits, and 8 tackles for loss. The Saints logic clearly was that they expect Carl Granderson and Chase Young to be more disruptive as stand-up rushers in Brandon Staley's system. For this to work, Granderson must transform from underrated player to one of the league's most disruptive pass rushers. Related: Undrafted Delaware Back Marcus Yarns Has The Skills To Crack New Orleans Saints Roster Related: Undrafted Edge Jasheen Davis Could Add Speed That's Lacked In Saints Pass Rush Related: New Orleans Saints 2025-26 NFL Schedule Breakdown Related: Undrafted Chris Tyree Has Skills To Become Another Of The Saints Overlooked Gems Related: Rutgers Linebacker Tyreem Powell May Be An Undrafted Gem For Saints Defense Related: Undrafted Omari Thomas Looks To Continue His SEC Success With Saints


USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Where do Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave rank among Saints' all-time receiving leaders?
Where do Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave rank among Saints' all-time receiving leaders? Our top-20 countdown rolls on with the most electrifying pass catchers in Saints history Over the course of time, New Orleans Saints pass catchers have played a vital role in some of the most glorious passing seasons ever. With countless All-Pro and Pro Bowl-level talents, many have cemented themselves in the history books as cornerstones of one of the league's most dynamic aerial attacks. From clutch playoff performances to record-setting regular seasons, these players helped elevated their respective offenses for decades. Whether it was stretching the field, making contested catches, or as security blanket for their quarterback, each of these players contributed mightily to the evolution of offense in New Orleans. Here's a look at the top 20 all-time receiving yardage leaders in New Orleans Saints history: 20. TE Dave Parks (1968-1972): 2,254 receiving yards 19. WR Michael Haynes (1994-1996): 2,368 receiving yards 18. WR Chris Olave (2022-present): 2,565 receiving yards 17. RB Pierre Thomas (2007-2014): 2,608 receiving yards 16. WR Robert Meachem (2008-2014): 2,707 receiving yards 15. WR Donte' Stallworth (2002-2005): 2,791 receiving yards 14. WR Wes Chandler (1978-1981): 2,801 receiving yards 13. WR Brandin Cooks (2014-2016): 2,861 receiving yards 12. TE Henry Childs (1974-1980): 3,224 receiving yards 11. WR Quinn Early (1991-1995): 3,758 receiving yards 10. TE Hoby Brenner (1981-1993): 3,849 receiving yards 9. WR Lance Moore (2006-2013): 4,281 receiving yards 8. WR Devery Henderson (2004-2012): 4,377 receiving yards 7. RB Alvin Kamara (2017-present): 4,762 receiving yards 6. TE Jimmy Graham (2010-2023): 4,791 receiving yards 5. WR Danny Abramowicz (1967-1973): 4,875 receiving yards 4. WR Michael Thomas (2016-2023): 6,569 receiving yards 3. WR Joe Horn (2000-2006): 7,622 receiving yards 2. WR Eric Martin (1985-1993): 7,854 receiving yards 1. WR Marques Colston (2006-2015): 9,759 receiving yards


USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Alvin Kamara's 106-yard kick return touchdown is the Saints Play of the Day
Alvin Kamara's 106-yard kick return touchdown is the Saints Play of the Day Alvin Kamara set a New Orleans Saints team record with his first kick return TD There are 106 days to go until the New Orleans Saints open their 2025 season with the Arizona Cardinals, which means Alvin Kamara's 106-yard kick return touchdown is our Saints Play of the Day. He answered an early score by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense to help tie it up 7-7 in Week 17's regular season finale. Kamara set a team record with his first kick return TD as a rookie back in 2017, which you can see here. Before that, the team's longest kick return had traveled 102 yards, a record set by Eric Guliford back in 1997, which we'll reflect on further in just a few days. On this play, Kamara chopped his feet in the end zone to read the field, then sprinted out to follow good blocks from teammates like Jonathan Freeny, Chris Banjo, Willie Snead, and Taysom Hill. Michael Mauti and Justin Hardee sprang him free at the Saints' 30-yard line, and at that point all Kamara had in front of him was 70 yards of green grass. It's an impressive play, and while Kamara hasn't maintained an active presence in the return game (largely due to how important he's been offensively), it did show many of the traits that made him special. Patience to follow his blockers and decisive cuts in the open field have gone a long way in Kamara's career. He didn't become the Saints' all-time leader in rushing attempts (1,543), yards on the ground (6,779), and touchdown runs (60) by accident. With his career moving into its final stages, we're eager to see what he has in store for 2025.


USA Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Saints vs. Patriots Tickets: Week 6, Sunday, October 12
Saints vs. Patriots Tickets: Week 6, Sunday, October 12 The New Orleans Saints (0-0) and the New England Patriots (0-0) square off on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Caesars Superdome. Buy tickets for this game on StubHub! Saints vs. Patriots tickets for sale Saints vs. Patriots game info Game date: Sunday, October 12, 2025 Sunday, October 12, 2025 Time: 4:25 p.m. ET 4:25 p.m. ET Venue: Caesars Superdome Caesars Superdome Location: New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana TV: CBS CBS Live stream: Paramount+ Saints leaders Last year on the ground, Alvin Kamara had six touchdowns and 950 yards (67.9 per game). Kamara also caught 68 passes for 543 yards and two TDs. Derek Carr threw for 2,145 yards (214.5 per game) in 10 games last season, with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, and a completion percentage of 67.7%. Plus, Carr scored one touchdown and accumulated 71 yards. A season ago, Taysom Hill scored zero TDs, hauling in 23 balls for 187 yards (23.4 per game). Saints schedule Saints vs. Seahawks Saints vs. Bills Saints vs. Giants Next game: Saints vs. Patriots Saints vs. Bears Saints vs. Buccaneers Saints vs. Rams Patriots leaders In 13 games last year, Drake Maye racked up 2,276 passing yards, with 15 TD passes and 10 INTs, connecting on 66.6% of his passes. He added 421 yards on the ground, and scored two rushing TDs. He averaged 32.4 yards per game and 7.8 per attempt. Rhamondre Stevenson scored seven rushing TDs, totaling 801 yards (3.9 per carry and 53.4 per game). Stevenson added 33 catches (2.2 per game) for 168 yards (11.2 per game) and one receiving TD. He was targeted 41 times. In 16 games last year, Demario Douglas had 66 catches (4.1 per game on 5.4 targets per game) for 621 yards and three TDs. Patriots schedule Patriots vs. Steelers Patriots vs. Panthers Patriots vs. Bills Next game: Patriots vs. Saints Patriots vs. Titans Patriots vs. Browns Patriots vs. Falcons Buy tickets for this game on StubHub! Watch the NFL on Fubo!


USA Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Saints vs. Jets Tickets: Week 16, Sunday, December 21
Saints vs. Jets Tickets: Week 16, Sunday, December 21 The New York Jets (0-0) next have a road game against the New Orleans Saints (0-0) at Caesars Superdome on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Buy tickets for this game on StubHub! Saints vs. Jets tickets for sale Saints vs. Jets game info Game date: Sunday, December 21, 2025 Sunday, December 21, 2025 Time: 1 p.m. ET 1 p.m. ET Venue: Caesars Superdome Caesars Superdome Location: New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana TV: CBS CBS Live stream: Paramount+ Saints leaders In 14 games last year, Alvin Kamara rushed for 950 yards (67.9 per game) and six scores. Kamara also had 68 receptions for 543 yards and two touchdowns. Derek Carr aired it out for 2,145 yards (214.5 per game) last season, completing 67.7% of his passes, with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 games. Plus, Carr scored one touchdown and accumulated 71 yards. A season ago, Taysom Hill had 23 receptions for 187 yards (23.4 per game) and zero touchdowns in eight games. Saints schedule Saints vs. Dolphins Saints vs. Buccaneers Saints vs. Panthers Next game: Saints vs. Jets Saints vs. Titans Saints vs. Falcons Date: TBD TBD Home/Away: Away Away Tickets: Buy tickets for this game on StubHub! Jets leaders Breece Hall rushed for five TDs last season, and had 876 total yards rushing (54.8 per game and 4.2 per attempt). In addition to his rushing stats, Hall had 57 catches (on 76 targets) for 483 yards, with three receiving TDs. He averaged 30.2 receiving yards per game. Garrett Wilson had 101 receptions (seventh in the NFL) for 1,104 yards and seven receiving TDs. He was targeted 154 times and averaged 5.9 catches in 17 games. For the Steelers last season, Justin Fields passed for 1,106 yards, five TDs and had one INT. He connected on 65.8% of his passes, averaging 110.6 yards per game and 6.9 per attempt. Jets schedule Jets vs. Falcons Jets vs. Dolphins Jets vs. Jaguars Next game: Jets vs. Saints Jets vs. Patriots Jets vs. Bills Date: TBD TBD Home/Away: Away Away Tickets: Buy tickets for this game on StubHub! Buy tickets for this game on StubHub! Watch the NFL on Fubo!