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It is time to unleash Mark Ingram

This year could be different, however. Unlike years past, they Saints have a top 5 defense to go with their top 5 offense. Besides that, one player, who is right under the Saints’ nose, could hold the key to road success in this playoff run—Mark Ingram.

Believe it or not, this year the offense has been the problem in many of the road losses. They put up 20 Mark Ingram 4points or less against the Rams, Panthers, Jets, and Seahawks (even though everyone played bad in the Seattle game). Against the Patriots, they were not able to gain one first down while the defense came up with 2 three and outs in the final three minutes against Tom Brady. In most of these games, there have not been enough rushing attempts and Drew Brees has thrown it over 40 times. This imbalance doesn’t win games.

This is where Mark Ingram comes in. The much-maligned first rounder has been running the ball with purpose since the Seattle loss. In 3 of the past 4 games he has averaged over 5 yards a touch. This includes a great performance in the Carolina loss where he averaged 6.4 yards per carry on 13 carries.

For the first time since he has been drafted, Ingram looks completely healthy. He seems more trim and elusive. And most importantly, he has shown exceptional patience and vision in his running, rather than the customary 3-yard runs where he is pushing his own blockers out of the way. For the Saints to have a chance against the Philadelphia Eagles and beyond, they will need to run the ball, and Ingram is the best option.

He is the freshest back, since he has missed quite a few games this season. Also, his downhill running style is best for the cold weather and sloppy turf conditions. If Sean Payton doesn’t run Ingram into the ground I don’t know what he is waiting for. Isn’t this why the organization traded back into the first round to acquire him? For this type of game? And if his future in New Orleans is uncertain, wouldn’t you want to showcase him to gain some value on the trade market?

New Orleans Saints: It is time to unleash Mark Ingram