saintsfan1976

Agree.

New Orleans Saints position review: Running backs - ESPN

My take: This is why the Saints traded away Darren Sproles. As great as Sproles has been in Philadelphia, the Saints knew that all four of their backs were suited to take on bigger and more versatile roles.

We’re seeing Ingram and Robinson run draw plays and catch screen passes, which gives them more open space to work with and makes the Saints’ offense less predictable. Last week, with Ingram still sidelined by a broken hand, all four of the Saints’ touchdowns in a 37-31 overtime victory over Tampa Bay were scored by running backs (passes to Cadet and Thomas, long runs by Thomas and Robinson).

ESPN scouting Insider Matt Williamson’s take: “Running backs, I’d give an A. I think Ingram, starting at the end of last year, has been outstanding. He looks like a first-round running back. There wasn’t a huge drop-off to Robinson. I think Robinson’s a quality player that next year will probably be their lead guy (if Ingram isn’t re-signed as a free agent). I was a little worried about Thomas, because they weren’t using him so much. But then this last week he did what he did and caught a ton of passes, and he’s ultra-reliable and does everything pretty well. And then Cadet brings a little bit of that big-play spark receiver to them, too.

“It’s a pretty good group. If you can lose Ingram, as well as he’s playing, and still not lose all that much, that’s saying a lot. I think their running backs are exceptional. ... I don’t think they miss Sproles at all. He’s a good player, but I don’t think that’s the problem with the offense.”

hagan714

pretty much spot on. that is why Ingram was not extended IMO. he has for various reasons and most are justified not taken a firm grip on the #1 RB position.

Danno

No, the reason Ingram's option wasn't exercised is because market value for RB's doesn't warrant it.

Utah_Saint

Yeah, the bottoms fallen out of the market for running backs.

Ingram would've gotten $5 million. That's a lot for a RB in today's market, especially one that hadn't proven himself.

hagan714

you really think that is the only reason? I don't. injuries and blah blah blah we have beaten this horse to death. system or what ever Ingram is not and never has proven he was worth the price we paid for him. If he became the back we thought we were getting when we drafted him he would be signed today

I expect the saints to try to sign him and i am cool with it. But on the priority list i do not see him having a very high ranking. every year a udfa is pushing him for playing time

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

NOLA54

Never the less, I hope he's back this week and I hope the Coach has come up with some new offensive plays.

jeanpierre

All of the above...

dizzle88

Even though we wouldn't have paid Ingram that much, he's sure showing he deserved it more than Cam Jordan did

He's been invisible

saintsfan1976

Cam's been double and triple teamed this year. Price you pay for 12.5 sacks in 2013.

I posted earlier that he was #2 in QB hurries so it's not like he isn't trying.

brees84

Funny because I watched Watt vs Indy and same thing there. He still managed to make ridiculous amount of plays. We shoul'd have that in mind when we pay Cam. Half of JJ's contract woul'd be reasonable. (if he doesn't stunk up the place in near future).