No Running Game
 

Ok, ok, shoot me down as Mr. Buzzkill. I can take it. I am absolutely bouncing off the ceiling about being 5-0 and officially the best team in the NFC (not just because Siri says so). But I do like to look at things in the clear light of day. Now I have returned just to a beaming smile....

The running game, once again, was atrocious. Having lambasted Mark Ingram at length for how poor he has been, we all got what we wanted with Pierre Thomas carrying the rock a decent amount. 19 times in fact. For a paltry 36 yards. Had this have been Ingram, we would already be demanding a 7th round draft pick as enough of a trade!

Now don't get me wrong, on studying some of the gamefilm back again (yes I am that sad) I will give Pierre Thomas a whole load of credit here. There were several times he lost his footing (which happened to many players on many occasions) and the biggest problem, which we have also all highlighted, is our O-Line. That line simply cannot create lanes for our running backs. It's only just 'good enough' right now. It is also giving up far too much pressure to Brees and I expect him to be sacked at least 3 or 4 times a game right now.

So were we all a bit hasty in blaming Mark Ingram? Is it becoming increasingly apparent that actually it is almost entirely on our O-line?

How many times did we have a 2nd-and-1 or a 3rd-and-1 and fail to convert? That's pathetic. I have never seen so many 4th-and-inches downs for one team in all my life! And we are lucky we have both the coach and the QB who can dig us out of scenarios like that. It's not acceptable.

Anyway, buzzkill complete. I'm not trying to look to be on a downer, just want us to improve so we can look as perfect as the Broncos do!!! :)

Re: No Running Game
 

No running game, no problem. Time of possession is supposed to be an indication of a strong ball control running game.

Saints: 36:00
Duh Bears: 24:00

Go figure. Ball control passing attack wins again.

Re: No Running Game
 

A couple of our bigger/most important runs happened because our backs hit defenders and stood their ground long enough for the O Line to push the pile, Ingram seems to drop more often than not. Also, I was amazed how many times we had half their team on our side of the line after a run, there was an indecent amount of penetration at times.

Re: No Running Game
 

So what you are saying is, you would rather see Pierre score by making five smaller grinding 5 yard runs, then on a single 25 yard screen pass. OK.

Re: No Running Game
 

I would agree the running game still doesn't look good, but I was more pleased with the pass protection, so maybe the O line is (pardon the overused expression) starting to gel.

Drew did not seem to be in "run for your life" mode nearly as often this week.

Re: No Running Game
 

Ever took the homecoming queen to prom? Even if you wake up and realize your out of your league, you shut it and enjoy the ride.

Re: No Running Game
 

Don't worry. Once Ingram gets back, he will turn all that around. We just got to hold on until then.

Edited to add: I am just playing. When I hear our running game isn't good, I think of how much worse it would be if he was in there.

Re: No Running Game
 

.....anyway.

Re: No Running Game
 

I can't tell if this is supposed to be a serious comment or not

Re: No Running Game
 

Actually married one!!!