2013 Running Game concerns
 

Pierre Thomas - in six seasons with the Saints has stayed healthy enough to play 16 games for 1 season, and 2 15 game seasons.

Mark Ingram - Played 16 games for one if his two seasons.

Darren Sproles - Stays healthy for the most part but is not a ground and pound RB.

Tavaris Cadet - I do not see him as a ground and pound guy.

We carried extra running backs (Ivory) so we would have some sort of health overlap.

So the question is, how do we plan on having a 16 game 100 yard+ season with inconstancy in our RB health?

When PT or Ingram goes down we are not sitting so pretty in the running game... and they will go down.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

The rookie FA Alston looks a good back from the video I have seen.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

Two things concern me about the running game. The ridiculous 1 play in and out rotation and the lack of commitment to the running game and a balanced approach on offense.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

I've always said that there isn't a back in the league that would thrive in our offense, because the commitment isn't there. Playing ever 4th or 5th play on offense doesn't cut it. Commit to a back and let's move on.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

Still saying our defense will dictate our running game.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

Why commit to 4.6 Yards per carry when you can get 12.3 per pass? We run just enough to keep them honest.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

By treating 2013 as 2013. Even though they've had injuries in the past, doesn't make it a forgone conclusion that they'll be hurt again. Positive outlook my friend.

I believe this will be a big year for our backs. Sproles is going to be 2011 Sproles and Ingram will breakout as a 1,000 yard back. As for PT, he'll just continue to do what he does... produce when his number is called.

And if by some chance some gets knocked down, I take comfort in knowing that we do an excellent job scouting running backs that are left on the market.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

Ive no negative outlook. I said they have yet to, not they cant...
The reality is that this is the first season since.. 2009? That we do not have a stable of RBs, and every year we gather when someone or the other goes down and say... "That's why Payton keeps a stable".

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

I mean we have 4. We typically kept one inactive anyways. I'm sure we'll stash someone on the PS or do that rotating door with our back up corners last season. We should be okay.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

I agree we should be.. Out typical 4 of PT, Ivory, Ingram, Sproles was proven for the most part... Or at least we were familiar with their capabilities since they all had somewhat unique skill sets and purposes. I still think the loss of Ivory is going to be a little painful because out of all of them if we absolutely had to punch out 3 yards he would be the man I would give the ball to.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

My concerns are numerous.

Swapping out a LT
DLP back slid a little last year.....I don't know if teams game planned against him or not
Our current RT is subpar in my book and needs to be replaced
All of our RTs are unproven and have question marks
We have a new O-line coach
We have a new RB coach
Our two best backs are getting older
Our "feature" back has been under achieving
Ivory is no longer a Saint

But we do have coach Payton back so I'm not worried. :cool:

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

Wish we still had Joique Bell.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

I like the move.

Anyone with ANY chance of contributing to the team should be looked at

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

That would be Great if we were avg 12.3 per pass

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

We averaged 7.3 yards per attempt and our receiving corps ave 12.3 yards per catch.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

As great as a mastermind of the offense SP is, seeing ingram get a running play up the middle, get smacked at the line and then come to sideline after one play annoys the hell out of me

Like its been said, make a decision and stick with it, sure RB rotation is good but not every damn play!

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

Yep i agree but i am putting our OC in the mix. he needs to bounce back from last year and get better.

I predict that no matter how productive Ingram is or is not we will have him stuffed down our throats because he is a number one pick. so somethings wont change.

PT will pace the side lines wonder why he is not in while still being the saints best back that fits this offense. maybe they save him for that playoff push? nah do not buy it

Ingram will once again be wasted because the saints did not address the OL to fit his style. His only hope is to get involved in the passing game and keep teams from stacking the box

The saints will once again pass for first on third short more than they will convert with the run game

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

On a 4th and inches I sure will miss Ivory who could turn it in to a positive with the D knowing who gets it.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

There has to be a commitment and a rhythm to the running game - Carmichael still does not grasp this concept...

But I agree, with our offense, we need five (5) backs on the active roster - just in case a Seattle Scenario presents itself, again...

The interior offensive line is fine, in fact, it is among the elite in both run and pass...

It's our Tackles that have not been up to par - but Armstead should help correct that and we have some nice battles setting up at Right Tackle...

Ingram needs to check his "tells" and work to gain the coaches' confidence in the passing game to be worthy of his first round pick - but I believe he's got the talent to do it...

I see comments about how injury-prone Ivory was and yet he did some of the toughest running - hoping Ingram can pick up the slack and bust some of those 20+yard back breaking runs...

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

I'm not really concerned about our RB rotation. I think with the loss of Ivory we are fine. The offensive line is the only question mark for me. Especially the tackles.

Re: 2013 Running Game concerns
 

Saints RBs need to be able to run an effective screen pass and pass protect.