Respect for Mark Ingram
 

I felt Starting a little pre-appreciation thread for Ingram would be appropriate. This could potentially be his last season and I feel he is not recognized as one of the Saints better/best players ever. He is already the team’s all time leading rusher and, Barring injuries, he will likely surpass 8,000 total career rushing yards. While that doesn’t put him near the top of the list it would likely put him in the top 50. That’s a hearty achievement IMO. In a league moving more towards the pass a 8,000 yard back may not come along in a while.

So here is to Mark! If this is your last season I hope it goes out with a SB victory!

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

I think Ingram still has a little left. There should be less defenders in the box with Thomas, Landry and Olave out wide.

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

He’s always been a good attitude guy I’ll add. He never complained about sharing the spotlight with other backs. The dude did the work under the radar like a man and ended up with a very respectable career.

That 2011 draft netted us Ingram AND Jordan in the first round. Saints HOF players for sure. Let’s hope Olave and Penning repeat that.

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

I was just thinking about him this morning. I almost forgot that he was on the roster. I think that time away threw me off, and then last year all we talked about were QBs and WRs.

He is absolutely one of the best leaders the Saints have ever seen. It seems like he makes the locker room a much more positive place. And then he has quietly become the all time team leader in rushing yards.

I don't think he is finished this season, but he deserves as much praise and celebration as anybody not named Brees or Payton.

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

And just think, it took him a few years to really get rolling and he still put up those numbers. Great guy, great back. Loved the season where him and Kamara both put up 1500 all purpose yards

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

Agreed... even if it took him three years to learn the game. Despite his original cost, his selection has withstood the test of time.

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

Team player.

Saints all-time rushing leader. 4.5 ypc (career), 64 TD's, 11+ year career. IMO the top 3 of all-time RB's while at Bama.

MI has definitely lived up to his draft status.

https://media4.giphy.com/media/U6kTp...giphy.gif&ct=g

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

Funny thing is I bet if if you asked the “average” fan to rank their top 5 Saints backs then Kamara, Bush, Thomas, McCallister, Sproles, Rodgers, and Ricky Williams all pop into mind more so than Ingram.

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

I just hope to see Angry Mark this year. I loved when he'd hit the hole like a freight train and just smash into and through people. Then get up all fired up. Go Mark!!

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

If you do a little digging you'll find an article about Ingram during his rookie season where Payton admits "The one thing keeping Mark from becoming OFROY is me"

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

Same could be said many a square peg through round hole player he brought in. Some have worked and some have not. Of late, the Ireland contributions have significantly altered those situations.

Re: Respect for Mark Ingram
 

Glad this thread opened interesting discussions. The pick “value” may have been in question as to weather he could have been available later in the draft. I’ve argued that against Davenport frequently. But I don’t think any drafted player that ends up being your franchise leader in any positive category can be considered a bust pick no matter what you paid for it. Heck, I’d paid what they gave up for Ingram for Morestead or Morten Andersen.