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There’s nothing “new” about Mark Ingram.

The Ingram who was on display during preseason – the decisive, shifty, powerful runner with the effective pass-catching hands and the willingness to step up and stone-cold jam a blitzing linebacker – is the player that Ingram all along has seen when he looks in the mirror. And his New Orleans Saints teammates have, too.

But if this season appears to burgeon with more promise than ever for Ingram, that probably is true. Entering Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Falcons in the Georgia Dome, Ingram perhaps is positioned to have his best season as a Saint.

He’s injury-free and after four seasons, has a better grasp of the Saints offense than he ever has had. That familiarity has led to a comfort level for Ingram, though he remains his own harshest critic.

“I think (it’s) just being four years in, not pressing so much and just being patient, taking it one play at a time,” Ingram said. “Not trying to do too much, just doing my job and taking one play at a time.

“I’ve never taken it easy on myself. I’ve always pushed myself and held myself to the highest standards and expected the most of myself, more than anybody has ever imagined. I’m always hard on myself, every single day, in practice, in the film room, in the games.

“I just want to be the best. I want to be great, I want to be great for this team. I’m always tough on myself and always think I can do better.”

Read more: John DeShazier: Mark Ingram 'wants to be great for this team'

halloween 65

You get your chance against the Failcons. Bust loose!

Danno

How dare he say that!!!

jnormand

I'm counting on Ingram to make some serious noise this season. I've been waiting for this beast to come out since we drafted him and I'm really excited to see if he can do it.

As I've said before I'm not a Bama homer or anything else. I just really want to see this kid succeed.

I'm excited to see him make some plays against the Falcons.

rezburna

It's your year Mark. You got it.

homerj07

From this article to Gods ears. Go Mark Go!

billyt81

I have faith. It's gonna happen! 1200+yds this year

Jack Vegas

I love Ingram's outlook for this season, but I think it's disingenuous to pretend that he has always been the player that we saw late last season and so far this year. He's had a lot of growing up to do and a lot of struggles. In many ways, he reminds me of Reggie Bush, who was really starting to come into his own as a pure running back in his final 2 years with the Saints. It just took him a while to get adjusted to the NFL. But it does seem like he's got it figured out now.

hagan714

last chance. strap on the helmet and be ready, SP will once again give him every chance in the world to back up his mouth.

it is all up to him now.