Alvin Kamara Criticized As Saints' 'Most Disappointing' Player Is Off Base
“I can only control what I can control. I’m ready whenever the team calls my number, whether it's running the ball or catching passes. We’re all in this together, and I just want to do whatever I can to help us turn things around.”
As the New Orleans Saints struggle with a 1-6 record, the spotlight has naturally turned to players like Alvin Kamara, who has been criticized as the "most disappointing" player of the season. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently called out the Pro Bowl running back for his drop in performance, citing his decreased yards per carry and lack of touchdowns. But this assessment overlooks key factors that have influenced Kamara’s production this year.
It’s true that Kamara’s numbers aren’t where fans expect them to be. His yards per carry have dropped from 4.2 in 2024 to 3.6 in 2025, and he’s only found the end zone once in seven games. However, these statistics alone don’t tell the full story. Kamara’s role in the offense has been significantly reduced this season. Last year, he averaged 16.3 carries per game, but that number has fallen to 13.4 in 2025. His yards per game have also dropped from 67.9 to 48.9, but these numbers are not a reflection of his ability—they are largely the result of how the Saints have chosen to use him.
One major factor has been the increased role of rookie running back Kendre Miller, who had shown promise before a season-ending ACL injury. With Miller’s presence, Kamara’s opportunities have been limited, leading to the drop in his stats. Kamara himself is fully aware of the situation, stating,
Another significant change has been in Kamara’s usage in the passing game. Known for his dual-threat ability, Kamara’s receiving numbers have sharply declined. Last season, he averaged 6.3 targets per game, but that figure has dropped to just 4.14 in 2025, with only 17.6 receiving yards per game this year. This drastic reduction in passing opportunities has severely impacted his overall production, and it’s clear that this drop-off isn’t due to a lack of effort or ability.
In a season where the entire Saints team is struggling, it’s hard to single out Kamara as the “most disappointing” player. While his individual numbers may not meet expectations, his reduced role in the offense is a decision that’s largely out of his control. The Saints’ struggles go far beyond one player, and Kamara’s situation is a reflection of a larger issue with the team’s overall offensive scheme.
Kamara’s frustration is understandable, but his comments highlight his professional mindset and his commitment to the team. He’s doing his part, and the hope is that as the season progresses, his role will increase, and his production will follow. For now, it’s clear that Kamara’s decline isn’t entirely his fault, and he doesn’t deserve to be labeled the most disappointing player on the team.
Red Sox, Jason Varitek Resolve Contract Situation For Next Season: Report
May 27, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox coach Jason Varitek watches third inning action against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Jason Varitek has been a member of the Boston Red Sox organization since he was traded there as a catching prospect in 1997. Now a member of the coaching staff, that means 2026 will be his 30th season -- and it appears all potential roadblocks to Year 30 have been cleared away.
Varitek and the Red Sox hadn't come to terms on a new contract for the upcoming season, which was noteworthy because shortly after the current season ended in the wild-card round at the beginning of the month, most of the remainder of the coaching staff was confirmed to be returning.
The mystery appears to be over, though, as on Friday, Sean McAdam of MassLive reported that the Red Sox and Varitek were finalizing a multi-year deal that would keep him in Boston in his current position.
Varitek staying on in Boston
"Varitek’s contract as the team’s game-planning and run-prevention coach expired at the end of the season," McAdam wrote. "There had been speculation that Varitek might receive some interest as a managerial candidate elsewhere, but it appears that there were no requests to interview him.
"It’s unknown how long the new deal is for, though one industry source speculated that it would run through the 2027 season to alignwith manager Alex Cora’s deal."
Varitek retired after the 2011 season as a player, having served as the team's captain from 2005 onward and won two World Series titles. He then served in an advisory role in the front office from 2012 to 2018, and after a year where he didn't appear in the staff directory, he was first named to the coaching staff in 2020.
Red Sox starting catcher Carlos Narváez has been vocal about how much Varitek has helped his development, so no one is likely to be happier about the news of the former captain's return.
Boston's coaching staff appears just about set, as the only other noteworthy item was parting ways with assistant hitting coach Ben Rosenthal and bringing in John Soteropulos in his place.
