crawgator

Darren Sproles making big impact
September, 22, 2011
SEP 22
9:34
AM ET
EmailPrintComments
20
By Pat Yasinskas
A lot of people just assumed Darren Sproles would be used only as a third-down back in New Orleans’ offense. The thinking was that Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas would get more playing time.

So far, that hasn’t been the case. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Sproles has been on the field for 60 snaps. Thomas has been out there for 53 and Ingram for 41. The snap counts include plays that were negated by penalties.

It also was a common assumption that Sproles would fill Reggie Bush’s role as a receiver out of the backfield. That part is coming true. Sproles has 15 catches for 118 yards and a touchdown in the first two games of the season. Bush twice had at least 15 catches and 115 yards in the first two games of a season (2006 and ’08).

But part of the reason Bush never fully prospered with the Saints was an inability to stay healthy. Sproles hasn't missed a game since 2007.