New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara was near-instant sensation when the team drafted him back in 2017, seeming to thrive in every situation. He makes tacklers miss and absorbs devastating hits as a runner between the tackles. On passing downs, he’s almost impossible to cover and catches passes with an ease few wide receivers can match. He’s as electric a playmaker as any team in the NFL can boast. When he gains just five or six yards on a play — by any other standard a big success — it feels mundane rather than exemplary.
And for Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, Kamara is a unique athlete and a shining example of one of the best talents in the NFL today.
“The versatility and the elite balance,” McVay answered when asked what makes the Saints running back special. McVay spoke with the media during a Wednesday conference call previewing his Week 2 game against the Saints.
And he’d know a great talent when he sees it: the Rams are built around running back Todd Gurley, the only player in the league with rushing touchdowns (17) than Kamara a year ago (14). McVay continued, “You talk about a guy that’s got an unbelievable forward body lean. He’s always breaking tackles going forward. I’ve heard somebody refer to him that he’s like a kickstand guy. It’s like he’s got an extra leg. He’s able to just stay so balanced and so grounded. He’s got incredible hands. He’s got a great feel for space.”
While Kamara’s abilities as a pass-catcher are a constant threat to defenses, McVay was careful not to undersell his strength as a runner between the tackles: “And when he’s running the football, he’s one of the best in the league for a reason and one of the most versatile and he’s one of the best players in this league. And it shows up week in and week out.”
