How close was Alvin Kamara to getting his 'Drew Brees on' as Saints' emergency QB vs Bucs?
The star running back was the emergency QB after Trevor Siemian entered the game following an injury to Jameis Winston. He even had a QB helmet on the sideline he’d have put on, outfitted with the mics to communicate with the coaches during the game.
"I was about to just put it on,” Kamara said Thursday in his typical deadpan style and flashing his signature grin. "I was like, ‘all right, OK, it’s my time to shine. Probably get a little bit more money. Throw a couple passes. Get my Drew Brees on.’ “
Saints coach Sean Payton spoke on WWL Radio earlier this week and revealed the break glass in emergency QB plan. Kamara joked that he looked around with Taysom Hill out due to injury and Ian Book inactive, only to spot Trevor Siemian warming up on the sideline and dashing his QB dreams.
Siemian performed admirably in relief, avoiding turnovers and leading the Saints on a drive for a go-ahead field goal. The defense iced the game on the ensuing possession, with PJ Williams jumping a Tom Brady pass intended for Chris Godwin and returning it for a touchdown.
But what would’ve the offense have looked like if Kamara had taken over? The running scoffed at the “disrespectful” suggestion he’d run a wildcat offense. He’s been campaigning to show off his arm for multiple seasons now. His lone pass in the NFL was a completion to Josh Hill in a win over that same Bucs team in the 2019 season.
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But the star back dropped his usual feigned bravado for a bit of honesty when asked if he, in all seriousness, thought he could guide the Saints offense through a game.
"No. No not at all. But I’ll try,” Kamara said. "I’m the type I’ll get in the huddle like ‘hey, y’all gotta help me. Help me, please.’ No, but it would be cool.”
Winston might be out for the season, but it’s still unlikely Kamara gets to show off his arm on anything other than a trick play. The Saints will have to decided on their QB starter for Week 9 and beyond. Siemian remains an option, as does Hill who returned to full practice Thursday for the first time since suffering a concussion in Week 5. The rookie Book could also be in consideration when the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5.
Kamara had a solid game at his normal position, rushing 19 times for 61 yards and touchdown and catching three passes for 15 yards. But Kamara is still left wondering what might’ve been.
“I was one away from being the new quarterback,” Kamara joked. "Because it would’ve been a wow performance.”
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