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The Saints' running game took a drastic dip from 2011 to 2012, from sixth in the NFL to 25th. The Saints' record also dropped, from 13-3 to 7-9.

So improving a once-potent rushing attack for the Saints has paramount for coach Sean Payton and the rest of the offensive staff entering the 2013 season.

Talking about improving the ground game is one thing. How to actually make the improvement is another. So the Saints did what so many other teams do when looking for a way to reinvigorate: model themselves after teams that are successful in areas where they're weakest.

Think about the recent success of running backs such as Houston's Arian Forster and Seattle's Marshawn Lynch. The Texans and the Seahawks thrive on using the outside zone scheme to get the defense moving laterally then having the running back find the seam. The Saints figure what works for others can also work for them.

"The Texans, the Seahawks, the Kansas City Chiefs over the years, those teams are running the outside zone play," offensive line Bret Ingalls said, who served as the team's running backs coach from 2009-11. "Obviously, they're gaining a lot of yards and they're productive.

"In '09, we were pretty good at it. Somewhere along the line we didn't do it as much. So we need to get back to that. We've seen enough film as evidence that it's a good thing, and we know it can be productive."

The Saints have essentially the same stable of running backs going into this season as they had the past two seasons with Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles once again set to share carries.

Ingalls said the Saints' running backs are versatile enough to run any scheme the coaches throw at them.

"I know we've said we're trying to make a special emphasis on it," Ingalls said. "I know we've said we need to run it more. I know that we need to run the ball in different spots -- outside, inside, right side, left side.

"I know we need to mix that up. We need to get the defense moving. A year ago against some of the teams we played, we didn't run the ball outside because we weren't sure we could. And so we've emphasized the outside zone play more. We're headed in the right direction."

Read more: New Orleans Saints focusing on outside zone scheme to improve rushing attack | NOLA.com

Related article: Darren Sproles looks to bounce back from tough 2012 | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

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