Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

Jimmy Graham isn’t the only one who’s shocked by the Saints’ offseason moves.

Saints running back Mark Ingram told Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune that he was stunned to learn that fellow running back Darren Sproles was among the players the Saints released, and that another running back, Pierre Thomas, might follow Sproles out the door.

“Everything has been shocking,” Ingram said. “If something did happen to Pierre, it would be a shocker, too. It would be completely different. I would be the oldest guy in the [running backs meeting] room. It’s crazy to think about, and it’s shocking with everything going on. But it’s just the business side of everything. Those guys in the front office are doing what they think is best to have success this year.”

Ingram also realizes, however, that he’s likely to play a bigger role in the offense with Sproles gone and Thomas possibly following him.

“It’s an exciting time in my career,” Ingram said. “I just want to take advantage of my situation and the opportunity that’s presenting itself. Just want to prove to the organization that I can be the back they wanted, an every-down back, type of playmaker that they need. I’m excited about my situation. It’s unfortunate to see a lot of guys go, but I’m excited about my opportunity that I have coming up.”

It’s an opportunity for Ingram to be something he’s never been in New Orleans: The Saints’ primary running back.

Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking” | ProFootballTalk

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

Leggitit

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

Their jobs are to strap on the helmet and play football. The politics are usually left to the agents... that's what they get paid for. So it's hardly surprising to see players voiced how shocked they are with these moves. Not only are they losing teammates, they losing good friends they've fought with on the field for years. It's totally understandable these players are feeling the way they are.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

I wonder what Ingram's reaction would be if he knew how many fans wanted HIM traded!?

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

Older players getting cut and traded is anything but shocking. It's quite normal in fact, even if they are still playing at a decent level. That's the best time.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

lmao i guess this stuff was not told to them when they signed the collective bargaining agreement. cap 101. i am really getting worried about the common sense of some players on this team. this is the same ol same ol for any team that has 4 opps now 5 players salaries taking up what some 40% of the cap. key mid level players will be cut

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

If someone would offer the Saints a 4th for him, and I were Loomis, he would be REALLY shocked. :)

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

Graham has seen the Saints cut Shockey, Kasay, and a multitude of other players. Ingram has also seen cuts since he has been a Saint. Neither of them had peep to say when Vilma, Smith, Greer were cut.. There wasn't shock until cuts went to their side of the ball.

I don't buy any shock either. They are ALL football fans and watched plenty of NFL through out their college and High School careers and know about cuts.

What is being learned by some Saints players and Saints fans this off season is the hard lesson in expectations. When you have never been to a Super Bowl an owners expectations for his Billion dollar investment are some what lower than after one has been won. We won a Super bowl in 2009 and haven't been to a NFC Championship game since. Since 2009 we have lost a WC, 2 Divs and not gone one year, Ownership has a taste for a championship and changes are due because of the last 4 years. This is the business side, when your sales team dominates a market for a year then comes back and doesn't for a few years.. its time to change things and let those that escape the cuts know that expectations are high and so will be turn over if they do not get the job done.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

We are operating the Patriot way.

There's only so far loyalty can take a team - unfortunately fan favorites end up leaving at some point.

New blood coming in - probably at a cheaper price and with younger legs...

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

Good comparison. The Patriots have been "renovating"(I really like that term Duncan used in his article) for years. It's a cut throat business and teams need to be ahead of the curve if they want to sustain long term success. You've always got to look at the bigger picture.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

The only move that is really "shocking" is the Sproles release. He still has lots of tread on the tires. And there are no RBs in the draft that are near as good as he is doing what he does.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

True Dat! I remember Randy Moss groveling when he was cut from the Pats.

The Pats nurture an environment whereby players want to play there. I'd like to think the Saints have modeled themselves in that same light.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

I don't know about that. I didn't feel he dropped off much but there was just something missing though.

I am ok parting ways with him. I think its a good time to move on before its to late.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

I could have pulled several quotes from this article to make a "headline" from...

I'm excited...
Exciting time in my career...
Ready to step up....
This is the business side of the NFL...

Silly-ness.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

The only people shocked by these moves failed basic math.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

time to dig up some Wonderlic scores...

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

You can be shocked but not surprised at the same time.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

There is nothing wrong with being shocked over what has happened. The difference is Graham saying he was disappointed and the irony that he is at least partially responsible for the roster moves.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

I was excited to have Ingram come on strong later last year, BUT, I am not sold on him yet. He should take this years moves to heart.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

Is my memory failing or possibly adding to, but by my count this is near the 3rd or 4th time he "appreciates and plans on taking advantage of opportunity, health, blessings etc...

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

I've decided to Ingram one more year.........apparently so has management. :bng:
I don't believe his body of work was that good overall, but he did perform better later in the season. I believe it's his last year of his contract.....let him play it out and see how well he performs.

Re: Mark Ingram finds Saints’ moves “shocking”
 

No Schiotte, Huh?!? Makes you wish Gatorade(r) offered a STFU flavor...

Rugby, you funning us?!? You know his rookie contract expires after this season...