Our running game only just got going when PT stopped getting the ball. i love PT just as much as the next guy but he lost a step this year. Some argue he had his best year but ill argue it was his worst. Lowest YPC and lowest YPR of his career.

Part of losing Sproles and possibly PT is a changing philosophy. I think Payton looked back on the year and realized he was too predictable and most of that centered around formations and the backs he used in them. We need to get back to a strong PA which means a strong running game which needs a back that can pound the rock. Sproles was always a key that it was a passing play and Ingram was always the key that it was a run and when PT was in you keep an eye out for the screen. Far to predictable because of the way we used our backs. Now that Sproles and PT (maybe) are gone what do you key in on?

My friend, if we have to get rid of every back we have because they make us predictable, then that sounds like a play calling problem. I agree that we got too predictable with Ingram and Sproles. But in Sproles' first season with us they used him in the running game very well, also, and he had an awesome all around season. They stopped doing that when our o-line starting struggling (which really is our biggest problem on offense). Even though our line was bad, it was still a mistake to call so many screen plays to him, because of the predictability. With Ingram, he just hasn't been any kind of factor in the passing game, and really doesn't fit this team because of that. Pierre has never been predictable. He's been a very good all around back.

I disagree that we started running better when we stopped giving Thomas the ball. When did we stop giving him the ball? It is my recollection that we started running the ball better when we started committing to the run game more and our line started to play better.

I don't think there is a change in philosophy going on. I think there is a youth movement going on that will hopefully allow us to better execute what Payton's philosophy has been all along. I just happen to believe that Pierre Thomas is still useful to this team.

PT had a severe fall off in carries and yards/carry after week 11 vs Atlanta, and he fell off the map after week 14.
Pierre Thomas 2013 Game Log - Pro-Football-Reference.com

He didn't play in the playoffs:
2013 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players - Pro-Football-Reference.com
Eagles - We put up 185 yards @5.1 YPC
Seahawks - We put up 108 yards @ 4.15 YPC

We ran better and more consistently in the playoffs. Not saying it was all on PT, but that is where the idea is coming from.