Alvin Kamara doesn't pay attention to any media attention swirling about voluntary OTA absences, but he did have a simple question when he spoke to the media during this week's minicamp.
Was he there in 2023? How about 2022?
The answer is no, but that doesn't mean he's been out of the loop. Kamara says he's been in contact with teammates and his coaches regularly. He's got the playbook and an iPad with access to practice film that he's been watching. His typical routine included three workouts before 1 o'clock, at which point he took his daughter to swim lessons then had lunch before going about the rest of his day. He says his biggest point of stress is the low pressure in his right rear tire.
"I feel good," he said. "I’m doing what I’ve always done."
That quote probably should be in the past tense, because now that he's in New Orleans, he's doing something he hasn't had to do for 7 years and learn a new offense.
"I’ve got to throw away 7 years of the same thing. Like, I [could] come in and … do it with my eyes closed," Kamara said. "Now it’s like I’ve got to pay attention a little bit more."
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Like a lot of his offensive teammates, Kamara is excited and optimistic for what the new offense can bring. Despite solid numbers with 2,547 total yards and 10 touchdowns over the past two seasons, the efficiency hasn't been what AK enjoyed over his first several years in the NFL. Kamara has averaged 3.7, 4.0 and 3.9 yards per carry, respectively, over the past three seasons. That was after averaging at least 4.6 in that department in his first four seasons.
It's not a coincidence that those three years have coincided with Drew Brees' retirement, and the last two with the departure of the offense's architect in Sean Payton.
There were a lot of reasons to overhaul the offensive system heading into this year, but the lack of a consistent run game was probably at the top of the list.
“You look at the history of this offense, you know ... I’ll just say it’s good for the running back,” Kamara said.
We've already seen signs of that being true in just two days of practice. Kamara has been featured on a variety of wide zone runs where his elite contact balance has been on full display. In the final drive of Tuesday's practice, a 2-minute drill driving for a go-ahead score, Kamara got the action started by catching a screen for 10-plus yards, and finished off the drive with a touchdown grab on a wheel route where he took advantage of defensive end Carl Granderson isolated in coverage.
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It all made a lot more sense and took advantage of Kamara in the ways where he can do the most damage.
"The looks and the run looks, pass looks, protection, everything is intentional about this offense, so that’s what I’m looking forward to," he said. "You knowing what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, when you’re doing it.”