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It's still very early in the 2013 offseason. But so far, all signs are pointing toward a big year for New Orleans Saints tailback Mark Ingram.

Not a "breakout" year, per se, since Ingram will still have to share the workload with standout tailbacks Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. But Ingram certainly should have his most productive year to date in his third NFL season.

For one thing, the Saints traded away Chris Ivory, turning a four-way tailback logjam into a three-man rotation. For another thing, Saints coach Sean Payton has made it clear that he intends to make an improved run game one of his top priorities this season.

And perhaps most noteworthy, Ingram is fully healthy this offseason for the first time since he left Alabama for the NFL in 2011.

"I've just been working hard this offseason, trying to get in the best shape of my life," said the 5-foot-9, 215-pounder, who spent last summer recovering from toe surgery and a minor knee surgery.

Although Ingram has yet to deliver on his Heisman trophy-winning potential in the NFL, his attitude about sharing the load in New Orleans has always been outstanding. And that remained the case when I caught up with him on Wednesday night, where he was cheering on teammates at the Black and Gold Hoops challenge.

Ingram acknowledged that he had hoped to make a bigger impact in the NFL by this point. But he insisted that he won't put his own goals ahead of the team goals.

"I just want to go out there and do what I can to help the team win a championship," Ingram said. "Of course I want to have a big year individually. But, you know, the main goal is to win games and stay healthy and be out there on the field on Sundays."

Read more: Healthy Mark Ingram is poised to have best season yet with New Orleans Saints | NOLA.com

hagan714

still worried his running style does not work with our OL like Pierre Thomas style does. i hope to see Ingram become more a part of the passing game. that would help him out greatly.

SaintnDE

if he runs with a poker in his ass like last year, we should be good to go. i think we are really going to miss that "umph" that Ivory gave.

lee909

I'm still of the belief if the play calling was better he would have got more yards.Everyone knew if he got in the field it was straight up the gut.

darksoul35

Thats exactly what I was thinking. With coach P back the play calling will be better. Hes going to be a beast this season.

jnormand

I'm on the Ingram Train until he proves me wrong. I just think he is going to be good this year. Just a hunch.

I'm just glad to be at 3 backs this year instead of 4. Regardless of who we traded (Ivory or Ingram), it would have benefit the team to lose a guy. I think it'll be easier for them to find a rhythm.

halloween 65

I still can't believe we let Ivory go.

Mardigras9

He still has not lived up to the hype.
This has to be the year for him or the "didn't live up to expectations talk" will solidify.

Jamessr

Ever since we traded up to get him in the 1st round he hasn't disappointed me.
wait....

frankeefrank

Trip... I hope you're right, because Ingram's increased "production" will benefit everyone who frequents this board.
But I just don't get how people keep saying he is "pointing to a big year," when nothing on tape shows this guy is better than PT, Sproles or even Cadet.
Sorry, but I choose to believe PT and Sproles give us a better shot to win.
If Ingram was a 3rd rounder, I think he would have been shipped to NY and not Ivory.