Saints Run Game: Can It Finally Find Life?

The New Orleans Saints' anemic running game faces a significant test against the New York Giants' struggling run defense in Week 6. New Orleans, currently 1-4, has been severely hampered offensively by a lack of ground production. Their running game was putrid even before top back Travis Etienne was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury in Week 3.

Key offensive line injuries, including to left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and potential trade candidate Kayvon Thibodeaux, have further crippled the Saints' ability to establish a viable run attack. This has allowed opponents to focus heavily on pressuring quarterback Tyler Shough. The Giants, though holding a 3-1-1 record, have allowed at least 120 rushing yards in three games this season.

New York's defense has seen significant scheme changes under defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, shifting to a base 3-4 alignment. While linebackers Arvell Reese and Tremaine Edmunds are athletic, they can be prone to misreads. Edge rushers Brian Burns is on injured reserve, leaving Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter to hold down the edge, neither excelling against the run.

Despite safeties Tyler Nubin and Jevon Holland's effectiveness, and physical corners like Deonte Banks, the Giants' run defense has shown vulnerabilities. The Saints' offensive line, with issues at left tackle, left guard, center, and right tackle, has failed to open up creases for runners like Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller. Without a run threat, the Saints' offense remains predictable, relying heavily on Shough and the passing game.