Article: Brees: Thomas NFL's best all-purpose back

I hope PT & Colston retire as Saints players!

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. -- It’s still too early in New Orleans Saints training camp to judge exactly how they plan to split the workload among their deep running back corps.

ThomasMy best guess is that Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson will split carries pretty evenly in base packages and early downs, while Pierre Thomas lines up more with the nickel offenses (sort of the old Darren Sproles role). That would make sense, since Thomas is both the best pass-catcher and the best pass-protector of all the Saints’ running backs.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees offered some lofty praise of Thomas’ versatility Tuesday when asked if throwing the screen pass to Thomas is one of his favorite plays.

“Yes. He’s one of the best screen runners there is, ever,” Brees said. “He does such a great job of timing, setting up his blocks, just hitting those seams and hitting the sidewalk. He does a phenomenal job at it.

“You see these young guys (Ingram, Robinson and Travaris Cadet) starting to pick up on a little bit of those traits, too. Sproles was great at it. But Pierre can do everything. He’s the best all-purpose back in the league in my opinion. Run, pass, screen game, pass protection ... you name it, he can do it.”

Drew Brees: Pierre Thomas is NFLs best all-purpose back - ESPN

2011 New Orleans Saints Yearbook: Pierre Thomas - YouTube

2011 New Orleans Saints Yearbook: Pierre Thomas - YouTube

[Danno]

The only RB in recent memory that set up his blockers as well as PT does was Shaun Alexander. Patience, patience, then accelerate.
Basically everything our Mark Ingram isn't yet.

[SmashMouth]

Originally Posted by Danno

Basically everything our Mark Ingram isn't yet.

Sure....sure.....

[SaintLeonard]

I wouldn't say best, but Thomas is woefully underrated. Always has been.

[hagan714]

front office never showed PT the love

[Danno]

Originally Posted by hagan714

front office never showed PT the love

Say what?

[amazin15]

PT is my favorite Saint. you never have to worry what kind of game he is going to give you. Solid on the field and quiet off. Hope he retires a Saint,

[hagan714]

Originally Posted by Danno

Say what?

I never got the feeling his worth to this team and his performance were rewarded as other players on the team were.

[Boutte]

Thanks for the link WhoDat.
He's a Ninja. They should let him play with a black mask on. Such a perfect fit for Brees. He's Drew's life boat, those two always know where the other one is.

[Utah_Saint]

Originally Posted by hagan714

I never got the feeling his worth to this team and his performance were rewarded as other players on the team were.

I know what you mean. It seems they're always looking for his replacement, yet he's the #1 back year after year.