Fumble against Texans could hurt RB Chris Ivory
 

NEW ORLEANS — Making a mistake is a problem. Repeating the mistake can change a roster spot.

That’s the situation New Orleans Saints running back Chris Ivory is trying to avoid after fumbling in the first quarter of Saturday night’s 34-27 win over the Houston Texans.

While falling forward on a bruising 11-yard run, Ivory was leveled by Texans strong safety Glover Quin with the ball popping loose for the first turnover of the night.

Ivory had trouble holding onto the ball in training camp and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. said his fumbling issues are a focus of the staff and needed to be emphasized to him every day.

Ivory, who’s been a part of the halfback rotation for the past two seasons, is being pushed by rookie Travaris Cadet as the fourth contributor at the position.

Not all was negative for Ivory, who took the bulk of the carries in a drive that resulted in a 24-yard field goal by Garrett Hartley to open the second half. Ivory finished with 57 yards on eight carries.

Fumble against Texans could hurt RB Chris Ivory | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

He fumbled but certainly was not leveled.

Re: Fumble against Texans could hurt RB Chris Ivory
 

Im one of those who is in favor of Cadet over Ivory, but i have to admit that fumble was unavoidable. That was a very freak hit that could have ended his career and nobody would have been able to hold on. You could argue that he should have gone down and was trying to hard but i think it was a matter of physics and his momentum going forward made it so he couldnt stop.

Re: Fumble against Texans could hurt RB Chris Ivory
 

The New Orleans Times-Picayune feels that RB Chris Ivory "should and will" make the Saints' 53-man roster.

Ivory has been placed on the roster bubble and/or trade block by many beat writers because of the emergence of UDFA Travaris Cadet. The Times-Picayune feels that his track record and impressive combination of power and elusiveness are enough for the team to keep him despite injury and fumble troubles. He'll only see reps if Mark Ingram misses extended time.

Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune

I'm in favor of Ivory over Cadet... hopefully we can keep both. I'm sure both PT and Ingram can handle that role, but Ivory is a battering ram with speed and power. We just don't have any touches for Cadet. We have 2 backs that does what he does at a very high level.

No it wasn't.

Re: Fumble against Texans could hurt RB Chris Ivory
 

Just after the fumble and him leaving the field injured... yet again, I thought "Thats it, he's a goner"

But then he came back after that and looked like Earl Campbell reborn.

I wanna keep Ivory, but don't wanna lose Cadet.

If I'm GM, I keep both.

What could really hurt Ivory is the fact that he keeps coughing it up in practice too.

Re: Fumble against Texans could hurt RB Chris Ivory
 

Ivory looked like a true rb is suppose to look, thats what a healthy Ivory looks like. Cadet want do the things Ivory does. I'm all for Cadet on the PS but not to replace Ivory. Bell was better than Cadet and we let him go, just sayin'?

Re: Fumble against Texans could hurt RB Chris Ivory
 

Both deserve to make the roster. It would be nice if a backup O-Line guy could long snap. That would open up a spot without losing anything other than a "specialist." I believe the Saints could get a 5th from a team like Pittsburgh for Ivory. I just can't see Cadet making it through waivers. He's great out of the backfield, has shown skills as a runner, and can contribute on special teams. The injuries at LB and WR will make it almost impossible to keep both.

Re: Fumble against Texans could hurt RB Chris Ivory
 

I'm not sure about that. There are numerous fringe players we can cut and that will not get picked up by another team. We can call them back when necessary.

I'd keep Cadet over a 2nd FB, 2nd K, 6th WR, 4th TE, 10th DB or 7th LB etc.

Since he can play all 4 special teams units in addition to being a perfect 3rd down back I'd say he's a must keep.

Cut a journeyman, keep the young impressive talent.

Re: Fumble against Texans could hurt RB Chris Ivory
 

Yep, talent is too hard to find to let it go. For example; They kept 2 full backs and 4 tight ends last season, maybe they can get by with less this year sense they have a couple guys that can play both positions.

Re: Fumble against Texans could hurt RB Chris Ivory
 

Ivory will be on the team cadet it most likely gone... He had a good preseason but Ivory all day over cadet.....

Re: Fumble against Texans could hurt RB Chris Ivory
 

Barring Sproles, all of our RB's are fragile. I'm fine with that just as long as we have a plan in place to counter it. We need both of them. Keep 5 and trim the fat somewhere else. If we have to sign them off the streets again it will be another disaster.