WhoDat!656

2011 first round draft pick RB Mark Ingram seems to be on the way out, but for Pierre Thomas his role in the New Orleans offense looks to get bigger.

After being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2007, Thomas earned his rookie roster spot by becoming a standout on special teams.

However, he has become one of the most productive running backs in team history. Thomas is an ideal fit in the Saints offense that requires a back to be able to be a tough runner, good receiver and solid blocker.

According to Samantha McLain of NewOrleansSaints.com, Thomas is one of the key players to watch going into training camp.

Mclain writes:

'In 78 games with 26 starts, Thomas has carried 626 times for 2,974 yards (4.8 average) with 24 touchdowns and added 205 receptions for 1,717 yards (8.4 average) with seven touchdowns. In 2012, he carried 105 times for 473 yards (4.5 average) with one touchdown, also catching 39 passes for 354 yards (9.1 average) with one touchdown. Thomas has been a consistent performer, giving tremendous effort on each down, never shying away from a tough yard.'

RB Pierre Thomas returns to feature role in Saints offense | 60 Max Power O - Pro Football News, Coverage and Analysis

"A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."

ChrisXVI

Pierre's always been the man! Check this out on PFF: https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...running-backs/
Apparently Pierre's one of the best RB's of the past 5 years according to them!

K Major

Great vision & footwork...

dizzle88

All of the RB's will see an increased role because they were barely used last year and there's no way Ingram is on his way out this early

PT is the man though, can always rely on him to make the play when you need it

lee909

Ingram is going nowhere yet.
Maybe at the end of the season if one if the rookies shows promise.Let see whst he does under Coach.

Rugby Saint II

PT is the man but Payton doesn't want to over use him or wear him down where he gets hurt.

Cruize

Please let the 1 play rotation of the RB's stop. Ingram and Thomas should share the carries/spell each other. Sproles should be strictly a situational guy.

mikesaintfan

PT and sproles both in the backfield at once...lots of new wrinkles in the offense this year...SP has his toys and hasnt played with them in a year...I see records falling all over the place

Euphoria

I wouldn't call it new wrinkles...

But it does open the offense up more. With PT and Sproles able to make longer plays from scrimmage will make it easier on 3rd down conversions when its 3rd and short. Then pop in Ingram for a short gain. To me that makes a lot more sense.

Also he show flashes of what he could be when Ivory seem to be taking carries from him. So maybe that will light him up when he gets less touches. You have to make use of the oppitunites given ya.