The 2014 running game
 

With the departure of Sproles, there seems to be more questions than answers about our running game. I think there are more answers than most people are aware of, if you look a little deeper, at the bigger picture.

Mark Ingram - Not wanting to dig into this dead horse because everything has been said over and over. He will either be here or not and it will be what it will be.

Pierre Thomas - We lost our scat back.. or did we?
Definition of Scat back ~ A slang term in football that refers to a running back that is valued for speed and athletic ability over size and brute strength.

Pierre Thomas's 77 receptions in 2013 plus his ability to screen tells me he is a Scat Back. Traditional cookie cutter scat back? No, but Sean Payton ignored traditional definitions when he developed Jimmy Graham.

PT has never had a season with over 50 receptions until 2013... In 2013 he had 77.. That is a whopping 54% increase in receptions.
Which just so happened to also be the most receptions by a RB in the NFL last year. NFL - Statistics by Position - Yahoo Sports

Khiry Robinson - Many people are not "sold" or they have concerns. I will only use a small window of stats to make my case, this small window is very relevant to 2014.

When Sean Payton puts the ball in your hands 21 times in two playoff games and gives you the ball TWICE with in the 5 against Seattle in the 4th quarter, Sean Payton is sold and trusts you. If Sean Payton has that sort of trust it may be less worrisome to accept that he is a trusted back at this point.

Can he get it done when it counts? 5.63 yards per carry against the Eagles and 4.38 yards per carry against Seattle plus a TD n the 4th qtr is what I consider getting it done.

Travaris Cadet - Special Teams and 4th RB to fill in for injury if needed.

My interpretation of 2013 was Sean Payton preparing for the departure of Sproles and I see us as set for Running Backs. If we pick up a 5th it will be low in the draft or an undrafted player will earn his way on.

Pierre Thomas has become our Scat back and Robinson/Ingram will share a back field. :bng: Where is the gap?

Re: The 2014 running game
 

The only concern with tbe RB core are due to declining contracts and injuries.
Ingram hasn't proven he can last a season and Robinson has much to prove (though we all are impressed). Ingram out of contract the end of the year and Robinson/Thomas the year after.
It wouldn't surprise me if a late pick went on a future RB who learns the ropes/scheme this year and slots in next.
I was reading about Jerick McKinnon who looks interesting. He is moving from QB to RB. 5'9 209lb,4.41-40 and and the most reps from a RB in the combine. Being likend to Zac Stacey, Alfred Morris

Re: The 2014 running game
 

I'm convinced this draft is for Sean Payton and it will be heavy offense. I can see an early/mid round pick used on a traditional scat-back or "wildcard" type runner.

I think a WR/RB/OC/OT and maybe even a K will be picked in this draft.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

Michael Bush is available. He may be an interesting piece to put in place. As long as I'm speculating and all.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

I keep reading that Robinson has much to prove... I am not understanding the context of that. Is it he need to do better? Arguably he did just as good if not better in many circumstances than the rest of our RBs. Or is it he needs to do what he has done for a longer period of time before he has proven he can do it? I would argue he has proven he can do it, and he is proven until he shows that he cant. Unlike some players, he hasn't taken more than one season to prove he can stay healthy or get it done.

So does it boil down to Robinson having weakness that he need to improve on or is it some people apprehension to believe what they have seen? Does he need to prove or improve?

I have yet to see anyone point out a list of Robinsons weaknesses with the exception of the continuous reference to a fumbling problem he had in preseason when he fumbled once. If that is the problem, then he has the same problem all of our backs have and Drew having fumbled 7 times in 2013 makes his problem worse. It also means that in 2009 Drew had huge problems because he had 10 fumbles that season.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

He has shown he can do the job but its a small sample and the question is can he do it over a season.

It not really a fair way to judge as you are questioning things he didn't get the opportunity to show but as Omar would say " It's all in the game though".

Yeah im rewatching The Wire

Re: The 2014 running game
 

I think Robinson is extremly talented, and when he played last season I thought he made the most of all of his carries. During the playoff run, when he received most of his carries in game situations where we were not running the clock out, I thought he ran hard and showed some explosiveness. He's also very physical at the point of contact. Two playoff games are more than just a sample size because of the magnitude of the game. I would guess that most might be wondering how Robinson would do in the marathon of a 16 game schedule. That's the big unknown at this point.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

Ahhhh:idea:! I get it now, its all about sample size.

I appreciate everyone's patience and assistance in helping me understand the logical process. (I am severely left brained). Now, I will take that logic and apply it to the 2014 draft.

We will not be drafting any starters. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWl3W64dD_.../s45/spock.jpg

Lee - The Wire rocks, I watched all 5 seasons over 3 days of flu then had with drawls for a week after.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

Not seen season 5 yet.
I watched up to it and got caught up with ither things so just started at the beginning again.
Love it, reading David Simon book 'Homicide' now that it was based on.Very good

Re: The 2014 running game
 

Robinson and PT will end up splitting the majority of the carries.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

They should hire Morten and Carney as scouts to find us a kicker.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

Don't forget our new UFA.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

I actually disagree with this.

I think Khiry and Ingram will get the majority of the carries, and Pierre will handle the majority of the pass blocking/screen passes.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

Good a place as any: new highlight video!

Re: The 2014 running game
 

OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL

without upgrading there is not going to be a serious attack on the ground we van count on.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

I think Travaris Cadet will have a bigger impact than most believe.
When Sproles was injured in the past, Cadet assumed his role in the offense. Swings, Screens, lining up as WR.
I don't believe he's close talent wise because he hasn't shown it in his production...
But the Saints like his play making ability in space.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

I got to feeling that after Byrd was signed, also with the Saints looking at Browner that they are gonna go hard offense during the draft.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

To me cadet is fill, and fluff.... he's unrequired... I understand they won't cut him cut he doesn't really make anything... but that roster spot could be used for something more useful.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

I still want a thumper type of back that can get the toughest of yards when needed and takes contact to replace Sproles. Cadet has not shown me a thing. I'm all for PT to play the screen back and while eyes on him Ingram. Robinson, and a thumper go up the gut. I also would like a C that has a good push to him. I also think that this will be about Payton and the O, might as well stud the line out !! I kind of like the guy from Coastal Carolina.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

For the record maybe Peyton caught hold of the tapes from Lache Seastrunk and he is just upgrading what we normally do..... Also, you know it's not gonna be a running back discussion without me asking for ingram to get traded somewhere. I think Khiry is the lightning.... But Ingram hasn't proved to be the thunder. Im going on record as saying Ingram will be traded, and the Saints will spend a pick on a RB.. Please.

Re: The 2014 running game
 

Danno, I was thinking the same thing. I think they have someone in mind already that they can use for that scat-back. There must be someone they like in the draft or a couple of RB's.