westbankdaze

How much do you think Ingram changing his jersey to 22 will help this season. Before y'all laugh, I really believe there is a psychological link that people have to numbers. Guys out there who wear lucky 7 or 13 or whichever. I can see Ingram feeling like shedding 28 will shed the last two seasons. Perhaps a realignment with his college career mentally will improve his game. I think it will.

Danno

I'm thinking not being surrounded by 3 defenders immediately after the handoff will probably help more than the number change.

But you're right, there may be a slight added comfort/confidence/cockiness associated with a favorite number.

SaintsBro

I remember during the Super Bowl run there was the usual discussion here about the all-black uniforms, and then that same week, Darren Sharper gave an interview on the radio, where he said that the players liked the all-black uniforms, apparently because it made them look and feel like they were faster. And this was right around the Patriots game, where the defense was absolutely on fire, LOL.

So I changed my opinion about the black uniforms overnight -- I had never been a big fan of them before, but I figured if Darren Sharper says he likes the black uniforms, then I love 'em too, case closed! Ever since that interview, I've been kind of a believer in stuff like that, and I'll go with whatever the players want.... And I'll take ANYTHING that will make Ingram play better, so in a way I'm right there with you.

thebdj

I believe Psychology in Sport is massive. If Ingram is concerned about his first two years then changing his shirt number may be enough of a psychological change that it improves his confidence and in turn his ability and numbers.

In this case specifically though, I think Danno makes a point many of us would. Ingram, in my opinion, hasn't actually been that bad and he certainly isn't even close to being a draft bust. Every time he has been lucky enough to be given the ball, he gets pounded pretty quickly. He also sees very little work and an inconsistent number of snaps.

Take a look at when he is in the backfield over the last couple of years. More importantly, take a look at someone like Sproles or Thomas. Given that those guys line up as receivers or take screen passes on numerous occasions, it is truly a defensive nightmare to plan for. Ingram on the other hand tends to be put in to grind yards uphill. There's nothing too 'sexy' when he is in for a play, nor have we made many attempts to mask it. He gets handed the ball, puts his head down and away he goes (or indeed he gets smacked in the mouth). What he does do however, when the ground game is going, is really lure the defensive co-ordinators into believing he is a one trick running play pony, encouraging a bite, opening up play action a little more easily and allowing Drew to spread the field.

I think he will find his niche this season if he we do run the ball more but let's be under no illusion that a Payton-led offence, with Brees at the helm, requires the players to be multi-faceted. We simply do not play a style of football that encourages a 300 carry 1000+ yard rusher.

And let's be clear. I am in no hurry to change the way our offence operates!

rezburna

It can be huge. Like Prime said, look good play good. Can't play good if you're uncomfortable. Not to mention the superstition that surrounds all athletes.

Danno

John Smoltz is right there with you.

homerj07

If you believe it hard enough - its so!

I will take any edge no matter how little of weird!!

TheOak

Baseball and football are sort of different in the respect that there is a whole lot more time and opportunity to think in baseball. When things are fast paced the psychology doesn't effect the sport as much. Baseball is the most superstitious sports I know, a heck of a lot more than football.

There is so much going on during a play, I doubt a player even thinks about what number is on his chest...


When you were in high school and were getting ready for a first date, your jeans, hair, acne.... All played into your psychology before the date. Once you held her hand or saw her face all that crap went out the window.

While a football players number might play into the psychology in the locker-room, I don't see it crossing his mind once through the tunnel.

SmashMouth

Or maybe he's packing a 22 now?

saintsfan1976

At this point I hope he tries everything