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Determination to run against Falcons was clear

Numbers don’t lie. They just don’t always tell the entire truth.

So, as pedestrian as they may have appeared to be for the Saints' running game in New Orleans’ 23-17 victory over Atlanta on Sunday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in the season opener, they didn’t quite measure the full meaning.

The Saints totaled 78 yards on 29 rushing attempts – 76 on 27 tries when quarterback Drew Brees’ two kneel-downs are subtracted. That’s 2.8 yards per carry, numbers that include Pierre Thomas’ quietly effective 43 yards on nine carries.

But a deeper delve is necessary.

Twenty-nine rushing attempts represents a put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is total for Saints Coach Sean Payton and his staff, who have said the Saints want to have more offensive balance this season.

Last year New Orleans had 29 or more rushing attempts just twice, 28 or more three times. The Saints won all three of those games, including – coincidentally – a 29-rush attempt game against the Falcons in Game 9, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

“It’s the coaching staff saying that we’re going to run it,” center Brian de la Puente said. “The balance will only help our passing game.

“I think as a unit, (the offensive line) needs to take pride in that and say that the onus is on us. We like the stress and the pressure of the run game hinging on us. We’ll take it and run with it.”

And run, and run, and run.

Read more: John DeShazier: Sticking with the run game pays off for New Orleans Saints

hagan714

Pierre Thomas’ quietly effective 43 yards on nine carries.

lets see average 4 yards a rush and do it three time row and you get a first and 10 to do it again. i can live with it.

The Saints totaled 78 yards on 29 rushing attempts

The rest of the team gets 35 yards on 20 rushes. thats 1.75 yards and a punt. does not cut it.

PT does this year in and year out and still gets no respect

homerj07

I agree PT needs to get the rock 15 times a game - at least. He has better vision & better moves then Ingram.

Jack Vegas

I like that they stuck to running the ball despite Ingram's struggles. The o-line will eventually get their legs underneath them and luckily we've got a few very winnable games in the next few weeks to get into form.

Danno

Maybe not from the national media, but locally he does, and Saints fans have known for several years that he's our best RB and probably top 10 in the league.

I don't know anyone that doesn't think he's our best RB, and has been for 5 or 6 years.

Luda34

I'm still not impressed but yes one RB's need to get at least 15 carries.

Halo

Getting respect = talking heads talking about him non-stop. It also means teams start keying in on him game after game.

I love it when we blindside the opponent with a heavy dose of Pierre Thomas and they are like WTF - who is that guy?

hagan714

Shhhhh local respect is best i agree

Rugby Saint II

Run baby run!

Utah_Saint

Fantasy Football has some impact on national media attention too and unfortunately for Pierre, he's not a top fantasy running back due to his limited touches and Ingram getting the bulk of the goal line carries.