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A Super Bowl hangover wasn’t the only impediment the New Orleans Saints faced on their way to being knocked out in the playoffs in the Wildcard round by the Seattle Seahawks last season.
Consisted of Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush, the Saints’ three-headed monster was extremely explosive out of the backfield in 2009, leaving opponents dazed and confused.
The powerful rushing attack lost its luster this past year, however, and the flame in the running game must be recaptured with the addition of Heisman Trophy winner and first-round-pick Mark Ingram.
Chris Ivory
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With both Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas sustaining injuries last season and Mike Bell in Cleveland, the team relied heavily on the young Chris Ivory to provide a strong role. Mission accomplished, as Ivory was a sure-fire crowd-pleasing surprise as a rookie for New Orleans. Two 100-yard games, a 99-yard performance and a whopping 5.2 yard average per carry really speaks for itself.
While his lack of experience in the passing game put a barrier in the flexibility of the offense and his serious foot injury near the end of the year opens the door to uncertainty of how ready he’ll be for the upcoming season, there’s no question he excelled in pounding the football in a straight line and left it all on the field.
Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas
Reggie Bush is a free agent, but he claims he’ll do what it takes to stay and is committed to being a part of the team once the lockout ends and the season begins. He’s the filling in the middle of the cookie, the multi-dimensional, flashy back the Saints love to see and the defense dreads. Pierre Thomas is the power back that will lead in attempts and carry most of the load. Together they compiled 1,837 yards and 16 touchdowns on their way to the Super Bowl run in ’09. And together they’ll create a bloody, lethal one-two punch for the opposition, when healthy of course.
Expectations For The Heisman Trophy Winner
Head coach Sean Payton relishes the creation of an inside run game—not only does it wear down the defensive units, but it also opens things up for Drew Brees and the high-flying aerial attack. This is exactly where rookie Mark Ingram will restore some crush in the rush.
The organization expects him to deliver what Ivory brought to the table, and much more. Moreover, as a fumble-prone back, Ivory could wind up as a one-year semi-wonder.
Brees believes Ingram could have a high impact in 2011, according to the Associated Press.
“Ingram has looked great during player-organized workouts. Mark Ingram has been participating in 7-on-7 drills with teammates in an effort to familiarize himself with the Saints offense. He looks great. There’s no doubt he’s been working and he’s in shape,” Brees said. “He can play a pretty significant role on our offense.”
It’s a positive sign for Ingram’s chances of making an instant impact. The first-rounder insists he wasn’t offended by Bush’s Twitter tantrum after the draft. “He’s always been real cool with me,” Ingram stated. “Real encouraging, real positive.”
ESPN’s NFC South Blog featured a post by Scout Inc.’s Matt Williamson, who’s also under the impression Ingram will provide an early impact.
What You Need To Know About Mark Ingram
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Mark Ingram is a true workhorse—a rare form for a running back nowadays. He runs with power, leverage and possesses tremendous competitive qualities. He wants the football when it matters most and is the type of runner that can put the opponent away with the snap of a finger. Ingram also is equipped with upside in the passing attack, which is obviously a must-have in this Drew Brees-led offense.
Recently awarded for his collegiate efforts not only by capturing the Heisman Trophy the same year as being crowned National Champions, but now Mark Ingram is featured on the cover of EA Sports NCAA Football 2012.
There are plenty of critics out there, pointing out everything from his 40-time to his untraditional size and ability as a first-round running back. But if you don’t expect this star-in-the-making to shine, delivering power and consistency to the Saints running game, you’ve got another thing coming.
He may fit first as a featured three-down back and great inside rusher who can blast outside under the right conditions. It’s clear his greatest strength lies in his initial burst, which was the best of anyone at the 2011 NFL Combine in the first 10 yards. Regardless of who else lines up in the backfield, look for Ingram to earn his fair share of playing time, especially with his bonus abilities to block and make plays through the air.
Follow Oren Shiri on Twitter @NFLorentime
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