Saints’ bye-week run game overhaul shows up quickly in first game back

The New Orleans Saints’ bye-week adjustments to their run game produced an early impact in their first game back, as the team moved the ball on the ground and used rushing production to stay in the game through overtime, winning 23-22 against Cleveland.

Entering the bye, New Orleans averaged 86 rushing yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry, according to the team’s official recap. The week before the break also included a short run-game sample, after which the Saints’ changes became the focus heading into the restart.

During the bye, the Saints made multiple run-game personnel and coaching changes. New Orleans’ run game coordinator TJ Paganetti was fired, Kendre Miller was released, and the offense mixed in guard William Sherman as a tackle eligible. After those shifts, New Orleans gained 160 yards and scored a touchdown on 32 carries in the overtime win over Cleveland.

Audric Estimé was a central piece of the ground push in that game, leading New Orleans with 15 carries for 72 yards, five days after rejoining the team. The Saints also credited Estimé’s familiarity with the offense and play call execution as part of why the run game clicked.

Quarterback Tyler Shough contributed on the ground as well, with 10 carries for 51 yards, and the Saints still totaled 109 rushing yards on 22 carries even if that production is removed from the equation. Tight end Juwan Johnson described the emphasis on the run game as something the Saints had lacked and said the team “pressed on” with that focus rather than changing directions.