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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'

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Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.