There is a lot of emphasis on the story of Kendre Miller seeking revenge against Dennis Allen in the New Orleans Saints’ Week 7 contest versus the Chicago Bears. That extra motivation isn’t the only reason to think a big game is on the way for Miller. Stylistically, this is a favorable matchup as well.
The conversation has been a focal point this week, with good reason. The third year running back has more momentum right now than he’s ever had, and he’s with a coach that believes in him.
That seemingly wasn’t the case with Allen at the helm. Miller’s obviously had his injury concerns, but for all intents and purposes, Miller’s final injury last year was handled too harshly. He was put on injured reserve when that was reportedly far from the case. That sounds like a coach saying, “I’m done with you,” and is definitely a reason for Miller to hold a grudge.
The Bears can’t tackle and Kendre Miller can’t be tackled
Let’s look beyond the juiciness of the storyline, and see why a Kendre Miller revenge game is plausible. Per NextGen Stats, the Bears allow the fifth most yards after contact per attempt in the league. You could finish this article quicker than you can remember the last time Miller was tackled by the first defender.
Football has its complexities, but sometimes it truly is that simple. Miller is a hard player to tackle, and the Bears have allowed consistent yards after contact. They also have one of the worst run defenses, in terms of pure rushing totals, and the Saints have two talented rushers. Run the ball.
Also, Alvin Kamara is still working through an ankle injury. Because of this, you could see more of Miller. As long as Kamara still plays, the two running backs seeing around the same amount of touches is likely.
On Wednesday’s episode of the Saints Squad Show, three of the analysts’ bold prediction centered around Miller. Whether it was 100 yards, Miller scoring the first touchdown or 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns, the expectation is for a big game out of Miller. The Bears struggles against the run open the door for Miller to deliver on that expectation.
Revenge is a motivating factor on top of all of that. Motivation doesn’t suddenly give you super powers, but it will make the eventual explosion even sweeter.
