Magic Number Is 20 for New Orleans Saints, Deuce McAllister

Kyle T. MosleySep 30, 2008

The fine folks at ESPN’s research department sent over some very interesting numbers about the Saints and running back Deuce McAllister. He was the center of speculation after barely playing in the first three games and the center of attention after getting 20 carries in Sunday’s victory against San Francisco.

That’s kind of ironic because it appears 20 is the magic number for McAllister and the Saints. In the games where McAllister has played—and carried at least once—since the arrival of coach Sean Payton, the Saints are 6-0 when the running back gets 20 carries.

Here’s a break down of what the Saints have done in games where McAllister gets 20 carries and what’s happened when he doesn’t get the ball as much.

20 carries or more Less than 20 carries

Team record 6-0 5-9

Points per game 31.2 21.3

Drew Brees pass attempts 32.2 39.6

Brees yards passing 264.0 288.9

Magic number is 20 for Saints, McAllister