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.”