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Mark Ingram's first carry of the 2014 preseason went around the left end for 5 yards. His next carry, also to the left, went for 19. Then his third carry, to the left again, went for 6.

To the left is where the New Orleans Saints have placed tackle Terron Armstead, an effective run-blocker who started the final two regular-season games and both playoff contests as a rookie in 2013.

The addition of Armstead to a line that returns three other starters -- along with a motivated and confident Ingram -- could provide a boost to a run game that has posted diminishing numbers over the past two seasons.

"Just being on the same page with them," Ingram said of the offensive linemen, makes him "comfortable with the system and ... comfortable with how the offense is going to run."

"Just knowing what I have to do to be successful on a particular play, I think that just comes with growing a lot and having years, and reps, into the league,."

Ingram is in the final season of a four-year rookie contract, which puts the first-round pick from the 2011 NFL draft in a make-or-break season after what many deem a disappointment for most of his three-year career.

He rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown in a playoff victory at Philadelphia as part of a strong finish to the 2013 season. That provided optimism the Saints could revive their running game to levels that helped them win 13 games in 2009 and 2011.

In those two seasons, the Saints rushed for more than 2,000 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry or better. Those results helped quarterback Drew Brees have two of his more productive passing seasons and helped the Saints to the Super Bowl XLIV title.

In 2013, the numbers dipped to 1,473 rushing yards and and a per-carry average of 3.8, both post-Super Bowl lows for the Saints.

Much like Ingram, the offensive line appears better positioned to produce an improved rushing attack.

"That's what we pride ourselves on -- rhythm," Armstead said. "Being able to work together cohesively, as a unit, that's the biggest thing for an offensive line."

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dizzle88

Genuinely excited to see our running game this year

The O line looks like they've completely jelled which should help us avoid a slow start like last year - drew was getting hit way too much and we had no running game to begin with

Ingram looks more decisive aswell, the O line picking up the ZBS seems to play into that because Ingram has been really effective on stretch running plays where he can find the gap, make one cut and head upfield

The fact we have 3 RB's that can catch and run the ball, means we'll be a lot less predictable on offense this year

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

halloween 65

I'll be the first to make a bold prediction: Ingram will be the first 1000+ yrd. back in a very long time.

Danno

He has the talent to be, but will he get enough touches?

homerj07

Really want to see these guys do well. I don't care if we don't have a 1000 trod rusher but would love to collectively see the run for at least 2000

Euphoria

I think one of the unsung hero's from 2009 was RB Mike Bell.

We really need Ingram to fit that mold and be even better.

K Major

Exactly. I think it was you or another poster who quoted Parcells on Payton and his play calling... "at times Sean has the passing fever. Its ok to run it even if it doesn't always work".

Hopefully Roll tide gets a substantial amount of carries this year.

TheOak

Saints Offense
7.9 yards per att in the air
3.7 yards per att on the ground

I just cannot find fault in wanting to pass.

halloween 65

I do think he will.

TheOak

Will he be healthy for enough games to get 250 touches if they are there for him?

10 or 11 games isn't going to get it. We seem to ignore the possibility that he has yet to be deemed our workhorse RB because he has only played in more than 11 games 1 season.