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Call Mark Ingram many things. But don't call him frustrated.

The former Heisman Trophy winner out of Alabama didn't think that was the right word to sum up his professional career as he enters his third season with the New Orleans Saints.

"Not frustrating," he said. "Every time I go out there, I put my best effort on the line and do whatever I can to help the team win."

If expectations were high when the Saints traded back into the first round to select him in 2011, they surely won't abate now that fellow running back Chris Ivory was dealt to the Jets in the offseason.

Ingram has 1,076 career rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in two seasons, with 17 receptions for 75 yards. Last season, he led the Saints in rushing yards (602) and rushing touchdowns (five).

But it hasn't been enough for Saints fans long starved of a dominant rusher, something they haven't seen since Deuce McAllister ran for 1,057 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2006.

Ingram's 3.9 yards per attempt last season ranked among the bottom of the league, well below the lofty standards expected of a Heisman winner. And with a crowded backfield last season, the picture was muddled even more.

"In his specific case, he's healthier than he's been and his weight is down. We expect him to have a good season," said Saints coach Sean Payton. "The challenge at running back here is sometimes those reps are being split and it's a little different than maybe another position."

Ingram acknowledged Ivory's absence should land him a bigger role this season, and he's determined to fit the mold.

"We've been talking about having a more expansive role this year and I'm excited about that and just ready to prove myself," Ingram said.

Read more: New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram says 'sky is the limit' for his third season | NOLA.com

homerj07

Ok at this point call him "Bust". He has not been even close to worth what we gave up/lost to get him.

Very easy to talk - lets see some action on the field!

dizzle88

Thats hardly ingrams fault, the play calling last year was questionable at best

He will only be worth what we gave up for him if he gets the chance to be, that means more balance on offense, being less predictable when he's in the game and better blocking for all our RB's

I would not even consider him a bust, he was productive last season, he stays out of trouble and given the correct opportunities he has shown what he can do

Watch our second game vs bucs last season, the bucs had the #1 ranked D vs run, Ingram torched them

Your bonehead creator picked a fine chapter to omit from your memory bank....let me ask you, does a machine like yourself ever experience fear? - Vegeta, DBZ

|Mitch|

600 yards and 5 TDs; not bad for not having a coach and Drew throwing 40+ passes a game...