Manti Te'o calls on his former team to use Alvin Kamara much differently this year
Alvin Kamara is coming off the least productive season of his career. However, most have pointed the finger at his early-season suspension last season. While he didn't appear to disagree with that assertion, former New Orleans Saints linebacker Manti Te'o also lumped in a change in how Kamara produced for his team last year.
On Friday's edition of "Good Morning Football," Te'o said:
[00:02:26] "I hope that the New Orleans Saints don't use him to block, like how they were using him last year. That's the worst thing you [could] do with him. That's not what he's going to make the Hall of Fame for."
Kamara rushed for 694 yards last season, 200 less than he earned in 2022. It was also the lowest receiving production of his career as well, earning 466 yards and one touchdown.
Alvin Kamara's 2023 stumble raises concerns of decline for fantasy football managers
While he proved to be roughly as productive on a per-game basis last year, his lower season totals are reason for concern. Sometimes, players decline not only because of injuries or losing a step on the field. In those cases, players start to lose interest in keeping up with the daily grind in the NFL, in combination with a few sporadic injuries. If the two happen together, it can cause an overall decline.
Kamara's early season suspension last year follows a pattern similar to DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins began having attendance issues due to suspensions and smaller injuries with the Cardinals. While he's still in the league as a leading player with the Tennessee Titans, he no longer has proven able to reach the same level of dominance as in the 2010s.
If Kamara can stay healthy and remain productive at a similar rate as in years past, he could build an argument that his decline hasn't taken place yet. However, if he suffers a significant injury one season after suffering a three-game suspension, it will be clear that the decline has arrived.
Will Alvin Kamara keep his prime alive for one more season?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Good Morning Football" and H/T Sportskeeda.