If an NFL team has one great running back right now, they are in good shape to be successful. If they have two great ones, it’s almost unfair. The New Orleans Saints are one of the rare teams getting elite production out of both of their running backs.
Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara were each instrumental in the Saints dominating the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday 51-14. Ingram rushed for 104 yards averaging 8 yards per carry, while Kamara ran for two touchdowns. Ingram also caught three passes for 58 yards and a touchdown, while Kamara caught 4 passes for 46 yards.
Kamara has been great all season and since Ingram has returned from his suspension, he's only made their offense harder to stop. The team is now 8-1 and these two backs are dangerous every time they touch the ball.
Despite playing the same position, both are contributing to the wins each week. They also get along well, do interviews together, and feed off each other’s success.
In an article on NOLA.com, Josh Katzenstein wrote: “Individually, both players are exceptional, but together, they’ve made the New Orleans running game and short passing game unstoppable.”
Drew Brees was quoted as saying, “It’s great to have two guys like that.”
Football is a team sport, but can also be very individualized with guys fighting for playing time and competing for the spotlight. That’s why the Saints’ 1-2 punch is so special.
In our own lives, we can easily get caught up in individualized efforts and desire to shine on our own. However, the Saints are an excellent reminder that two are better than one.
Instead of striving for solo success, think how “unstoppable” we could be if we relied on others, worked together, and fed off each other’s success. We weren’t created to do life alone, so why not embrace the “1-2 punch” with our friends, spouses, and co-workers?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT) tells us, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
“Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Jesus demonstrated this principle by sending his twelve disciples out two by two to reach people, which we should implement as well.
Today, let’s be encouraged to embrace deep friendships, unselfish marriages, and collaborative working partners…and choose to be “unstoppable” together.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit that at times I just focus on myself and try to accomplish things on my own. I ask that You would help me find ways to rely on others and work together to do Your will, so we can point each other toward Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.
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