In a pivotal moment during the New Orleans Saints’ victory over the Dallas Cowboys, the team faced a third-and-3 at the Cowboys’ 38-yard line.
Dallas had just narrowed the score to 21-13, and the Saints needed to convert. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak deployed a formation featuring three wide receivers, one tight end, and a running back, which had been uncommon for the Saints this season. The Cowboys countered with their nickel defense.
The play saw tight end Juwan Johnson shift from the right to the left side and block defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, while wide receiver Mason Tipton, weighing in at 187 pounds, took on linebacker Eric Kendricks.
This created a perfect lane for Alvin Kamara, who ran 15 yards before being pushed out of bounds. Four plays later, Kamara scored a 12-yard touchdown, giving the Saints a comfortable lead.
This is just one example of Kubiak’s knack for play-calling in critical moments. “Klint’s, as the kids say, in his bag,” said guard Lucas Patrick, acknowledging Kubiak’s strategic brilliance.
The Saints have excelled in third-down conversions, with a 57.1% success rate through two games, ranking second in the NFL. Additionally, they’ve been efficient in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on eight out of nine possessions.
Kubiak’s success stems from mixing up play calls, keeping defenses on their toes. The Saints have faced only 21 third-downs this season, running the ball on 66.7% of those plays, significantly above the league average.
“It’s all about making the defense defend the whole field,” said head coach Dennis Allen, emphasizing their offensive diversity.
Kamara, grateful for the trust Kubiak placed in him, praised the coordinator’s belief in the players.
The seamless collaboration between Kubiak and his players has been key to the Saints’ offensive prowess. As Patrick stated:
“When there’s the marriage of the play-caller and the players, that’s when special things can happen.”
