Ingram with Saints? (1 Viewer)

[footballsavvy]

As a Saints homer, I'm pumped about this. That said, I'm a little bit stumped. We have a very crowded backfield all of a sudden. Ivory is signed cheap and is a coach and fan favorite. Presumably he will be relegated to backup duty now? Pierre Thomas isn't necessarily a power runner but he does it adequately when healthy and is a very good (one of the best in the league) as running the screen play. Saints just signed Pierre Thomas to a 4 year deal worth $12 million. I suppose he could be traded without having to rework that contract, but I can't think of a team who really needs a RB (and we are seeing this reflected in the draft).

Reggie Bush is due $11.8 million in 2011 but has already said he is willing to renegotiate his contract in order to stay with the Saints. Sean Peyton loves him because of the unique niche role he fills. Fans have started to sour on Bush, so perhaps landing Ingram is the nail in the coffin for Bush? Then again, if Bush agrees to a contract as little as 3 mil per year then Peyton would likely want to keep him simply due to his versatility, including punt returns.

Perhaps we are looking at an Ingram backfield with Pierre Thomas spelling to the tune of ~10 rush attempts per game and a few receptions smattered in. But what about Ingram's superb receiving ability? The Saints run a lot of screens on early downs so Ingram should get ~40 receptions regardless. Does Pierre attempt to fill in the full Bush role or is the Bush role abandoned completely?

On top of the RB changes we have a new weapon in Jimmy Graham. Personally I think some changes are coming to the Saints offense. Graham will likely see more targets than any Saints TE has ever seen (some of these used to be Bush's targets). PT, if healthy the whole season, might only see 120 rush attempts, but might see 40-50 receptions. Ingram could get 220 rush attempts with around 40 receptions. Chris Ivory will get play time when others are injured or to spell Ingram on some early down work and maybe late in the season when he has fresh legs.

I'd like to hear some other thoughts on what Ingram means for the Saints and their skill position players.

 

[ThePittbully]

I think Ingram takes over as the power/workhorse back and Pierre will start playing a roll similar to what Reggie has been doing with less WR routes. Pierre is suited better as a change of pace guy and running the screens and swing passes (his bread and butter). Ivory is going to spell Ingram, he's a good back but he can't stand up to a workload. He had trouble staying healthy in college, and he struggled so much last year he didn't even make it through one full game without suffering and injury. I see Ingram getting most 1st and 2nd down work as well as GL work, Pierre getting 3rd down work, and Ivory popping in from time to time for relief and sometimes short yardage

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

Reggie's gone. One can only assume the Seahawks would be interested as a COP back. (Though he's a questionable upgrade to Forsett)

Reggie will land on his feet. Tampa, Atlanta, STL, Washington all could be interested in his services.

 

[werdnoynek]

I think Ingram takes over as the power/workhorse back and Pierre will start playing a roll similar to what Reggie has been doing with less WR routes. Pierre is suited better as a change of pace guy and running the screens and swing passes (his bread and butter). Ivory is going to spell Ingram, he's a good back but he can't stand up to a workload. He had trouble staying healthy in college, and he struggled so much last year he didn't even make it through one full game without suffering and injury. I see Ingram getting most 1st and 2nd down work as well as GL work, Pierre getting 3rd down work, and Ivory popping in from time to time for relief and sometimes short yardage

workhorse? new orleans? when was the last time there was a workhorse in NO since peyton came to town? imo, it will be the same old story unless someone is injured... a huge question mark.

 

[Garts]

Paytom was probably tired of rotating average backs and went got a true workhorse.

 

[Kleck]

Thomas and Ivory are nothing special, IMO. Whether Bush stays or goes I still like Ingram's chances to get 300 touches and a lot of goalline work.

 

[Scooby1974]

I think Ingram takes over as the power/workhorse back and Pierre will start playing a roll similar to what Reggie has been doing with less WR routes. Pierre is suited better as a change of pace guy and running the screens and swing passes (his bread and butter). Ivory is going to spell Ingram, he's a good back but he can't stand up to a workload. He had trouble staying healthy in college, and he struggled so much last year he didn't even make it through one full game without suffering and injury. I see Ingram getting most 1st and 2nd down work as well as GL work, Pierre getting 3rd down work, and Ivory popping in from time to time for relief and sometimes short yardage

workhorse? new orleans? when was the last time there was a workhorse in NO? imo, it will be the same old story unless someone is injured... a huge question mark.

Ricky Williams...but has there been a RB with as much talent as Ingram in NO since Ricky?

 

[werdnoynek]

I think Ingram takes over as the power/workhorse back and Pierre will start playing a roll similar to what Reggie has been doing with less WR routes. Pierre is suited better as a change of pace guy and running the screens and swing passes (his bread and butter). Ivory is going to spell Ingram, he's a good back but he can't stand up to a workload. He had trouble staying healthy in college, and he struggled so much last year he didn't even make it through one full game without suffering and injury. I see Ingram getting most 1st and 2nd down work as well as GL work, Pierre getting 3rd down work, and Ivory popping in from time to time for relief and sometimes short yardage

workhorse? new orleans? when was the last time there was a workhorse in NO? imo, it will be the same old story unless someone is injured... a huge question mark.

Ricky Williams...but has there been a RB with as much talent as Ingram in NO since Ricky?

since peyton has been in town hes plugged in backs based on situation. perhaps things will change.

 

[Hedgehog]

just cause they drafted him high doesnt mean he will get a ton of carries...look what happened to Spiller last year. I like Ingrim in keeper/dynasty but not redraft

 

[cvnpoka]

duece was def a workhorse. he had 325 and 351 carries in consecutive years. was on pace for 300 again before and injury in week 14 the next year.

anyway, this is a bit of a surprising move. ivory is obv out. and reggie seems to think so on twitter.

pierre may be sneaky value next year as he the reggie+ role.

 

[werdnoynek]

duece was def a workhorse. he had 325 and 351 carries in consecutive years. was on pace for 300 again before and injury in week 14 the next year.anyway, this is a bit of a surprising move. ivory is obv out. and reggie seems to think so on twitter.pierre may be sneaky value next year as he the reggie+ role.

deuce was going to be a piece of the peyton committee puzzle if he didn't go down with a busted knee.

 

[thehornet]

@reggie_bush tweted 30 minutes ago

It's been fun New Orleans.

 

[ThePittbully]

I think Ingram takes over as the power/workhorse back and Pierre will start playing a roll similar to what Reggie has been doing with less WR routes. Pierre is suited better as a change of pace guy and running the screens and swing passes (his bread and butter). Ivory is going to spell Ingram, he's a good back but he can't stand up to a workload. He had trouble staying healthy in college, and he struggled so much last year he didn't even make it through one full game without suffering and injury. I see Ingram getting most 1st and 2nd down work as well as GL work, Pierre getting 3rd down work, and Ivory popping in from time to time for relief and sometimes short yardage

workhorse? new orleans? when was the last time there was a workhorse in NO since peyton came to town? imo, it will be the same old story unless someone is injured... a huge question mark.

duece was def a workhorse. he had 325 and 351 carries in consecutive years. was on pace for 300 again before and injury in week 14 the next year.

On top of that the team hasn't drafted a RB since Deuce went down. Pierre was undrafted as well as Ivory. And you act as though we have this long history to go off of, I think its perfectly reasonable to think they drafted Ingram to be a workhorse back.

 

[ThePittbully]

duece was def a workhorse. he had 325 and 351 carries in consecutive years. was on pace for 300 again before and injury in week 14 the next year.anyway, this is a bit of a surprising move. ivory is obv out. and reggie seems to think so on twitter.pierre may be sneaky value next year as he the reggie+ role.

deuce was going to be a piece of the peyton committee puzzle if he didn't go down with a busted knee.

In 2006 he had 244 carries, 1000 yards, and 10 TD's. That's coming off an ACL injury and surgery, and he was never healthy again after that year. So what exactly are you basing your opinion off of? If anything I'd say Peyton planned to use him as a feature back if he would have been able to stay healthy, there's certainly nothing to support the opposite

 

[psychobillies]

With Nicks and Evans paving the way, this offense is gonna be unstoppable. If you sell out to stop Brees, we can now reliably, and efficiently grind out 4-5 yards a carry on 1st and 2nd down. Bush is probably gone, but not gone yet. What if they talk him into staying at a reduced salary? What would PT fetch in a trade?

 

[footballsavvy]

With Nicks and Evans paving the way, this offense is gonna be unstoppable. If you sell out to stop Brees, we can now reliably, and efficiently grind out 4-5 yards a carry on 1st and 2nd down. Bush is probably gone, but not gone yet. What if they talk him into staying at a reduced salary? What would PT fetch in a trade?

I was thinking about a PT trade but the fact is that RB's aren't highly valued in the NFL right now.... especially RBs like PT. You could maybe get a 6th round pick for him, but most teams probably just assume draft a 6th round running back instead and not pay them 3m/yr. At this point they have to be wishing they hadn't singed PT. It would make much more sense to let PT go and keep Ivory and Reggie (on a reduced salary).

 

[shader]

I think Ingram takes over as the power/workhorse back and Pierre will start playing a roll similar to what Reggie has been doing with less WR routes. Pierre is suited better as a change of pace guy and running the screens and swing passes (his bread and butter). Ivory is going to spell Ingram, he's a good back but he can't stand up to a workload. He had trouble staying healthy in college, and he struggled so much last year he didn't even make it through one full game without suffering and injury. I see Ingram getting most 1st and 2nd down work as well as GL work, Pierre getting 3rd down work, and Ivory popping in from time to time for relief and sometimes short yardage

workhorse? new orleans? when was the last time there was a workhorse in NO since peyton came to town? imo, it will be the same old story unless someone is injured... a huge question mark.

When was the last time they had a great back? Ingram is FAR better than Pierre Thomas.

 

[otnemem]

no way the saints let the falcons get their hands on reggie. if reggie's gone, the chargers do make sense with sproles going to atlanta.

 

[cvnpoka]

When was the last time they had a great back? Ingram is FAR better than Pierre Thomas.

i would gladly bet against ingram topping deuces career rushing or td totals.

 

[loose circuits]

When was the last time they had a great back? Ingram is FAR better than Pierre Thomas.

i would gladly bet against ingram topping deuces career rushing or td totals.

6100 yds 50 tds? Ingram will have that in his 1st contract if he signs for 5 years

 

[psychobillies]

When was the last time they had a great back? Ingram is FAR better than Pierre Thomas.

i would gladly bet against ingram topping deuces career rushing or td totals.

I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you, but why do you say that?

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

no way the saints let the falcons get their hands on reggie. if reggie's gone, the chargers do make sense with sproles going to atlanta.

They have no say in where Reggie goes if they release him (which obviously seems likely now).

 

[cvnpoka]

When was the last time they had a great back? Ingram is FAR better than Pierre Thomas.

i would gladly bet against ingram topping deuces career rushing or td totals.

I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you, but why do you say that?

strictly math of rb careers. so, i will concede it was a bit deceptive. but i dont know any other way to objectively measure rb production. i woulda said he will never match deuces top season but that is pretty obv given deuce put up 1600 and 8 one yr.i dunno, i dont think its at all a given that ingram is a better rb than deuce.

 

[Saints-Man]

I hope they find a way to keep Bush. He is a great receiving threat and that is how Payton uses him. I really am not high on Ivory at all, so to me he is the odd man out.

 

[psychobillies]

I hear you, and I'm as big a Deuce fan as there is, but Im not so sure why your so eager to bet against Ingram. Both backs were drafted onto Saints teams with Heisman trophy winners already in place. Both fell into the late twenty or so spots. Both had some injury concerns. Both dominated the SEC.

The difference is that Ingram has a better run blocking front, a better QB, better receivers, better TEs, better defense, and better coaches.

 

[Gadabout]

I hope they find a way to keep Bush. He is a great receiving threat and that is how Payton uses him. I really am not high on Ivory at all, so to me he is the odd man out.

How is that possible? Do you not dig his vicious running style and 5.2 YPC?

 

[Zigg]

I see huge things for Ingram. The Saints have put up incredible numbers with a pretty mediocre cast at the skilled positions. They have a great play caller, QB and O-Line. This is the first time(Bush excluded) they've added an elite talent at either RB/WR. Ingram is in the perfect to put up huge numbers.

 

[ThePittbully]

I hope they find a way to keep Bush. He is a great receiving threat and that is how Payton uses him. I really am not high on Ivory at all, so to me he is the odd man out.

How is that possible? Do you not dig his vicious running style and 5.2 YPC?

Dude can't take a leisurely stroll down the street without injuring himself

 

[Burning Sensation]

I hope they find a way to keep Bush. He is a great receiving threat and that is how Payton uses him. I really am not high on Ivory at all, so to me he is the odd man out.

How is that possible? Do you not dig his vicious running style and 5.2 YPC?

Im not a big fan of Derrick Ward either and he averaged over 6 YPC.The fact that Ivory can average over 5 ypc on the Saints gets me even more excited to see what Ingram can do.

 

[shader]

When was the last time they had a great back? Ingram is FAR better than Pierre Thomas.

i would gladly bet against ingram topping deuces career rushing or td totals.

I'll take that bet any day of the week.

 

[shader]

When was the last time they had a great back? Ingram is FAR better than Pierre Thomas.

i would gladly bet against ingram topping deuces career rushing or td totals.

6100 yds 50 tds? Ingram will have that in his 1st contract if he signs for 5 years

On that offense? I see him approaching 50 td's at the end of year 3 and 6100 yards at the end of year 4.

 

[Sabertooth]

When you have three or four running backs, you really have none. These guys are succeeding but Ingram is better than every one of them.

 

[Tchula]

From neworleanssaints.com article Loomis recaps the first round: "A the end of the year, we had the opportunity to get the best back in this draft and the last time that we were able to get a real strong running back was Deuce McAllister and it worked out pretty well."

and:

"It’s become more of a passing league, so it probably devalues the running back from where it was ten years ago, but they’re still valuable players on any team, so obviously they’re valuable to us because we have two first round picks and we have Pierre Thomas who we just re-signed not long ago and we have an undrafted free agent we think high of in Chris Ivory."

Notice the lack of mentioning Bush? Read into it what you will, but Bush could be the odd man out IMO.

 

[zadok]

Ingram - 1

Thomas - 2

Ivory - 3

Bush - out

 

[Cassius]

I think Ingram takes over as the power/workhorse back and Pierre will start playing a roll similar to what Reggie has been doing with less WR routes. Pierre is suited better as a change of pace guy and running the screens and swing passes (his bread and butter). Ivory is going to spell Ingram, he's a good back but he can't stand up to a workload. He had trouble staying healthy in college, and he struggled so much last year he didn't even make it through one full game without suffering and injury. I see Ingram getting most 1st and 2nd down work as well as GL work, Pierre getting 3rd down work, and Ivory popping in from time to time for relief and sometimes short yardage

workhorse? new orleans? when was the last time there was a workhorse in NO? imo, it will be the same old story unless someone is injured... a huge question mark.

Ricky Williams...but has there been a RB with as much talent as Ingram in NO since Ricky?

since peyton has been in town hes plugged in backs based on situation. perhaps things will change.

They have changed. They took a workhorse RB in the 1st round.

 

[Warpig]

I think Ingram takes over as the power/workhorse back and Pierre will start playing a roll similar to what Reggie has been doing with less WR routes. Pierre is suited better as a change of pace guy and running the screens and swing passes (his bread and butter). Ivory is going to spell Ingram, he's a good back but he can't stand up to a workload. He had trouble staying healthy in college, and he struggled so much last year he didn't even make it through one full game without suffering and injury. I see Ingram getting most 1st and 2nd down work as well as GL work, Pierre getting 3rd down work, and Ivory popping in from time to time for relief and sometimes short yardage

workhorse? new orleans? when was the last time there was a workhorse in NO since peyton came to town? imo, it will be the same old story unless someone is injured... a huge question mark.

I agree. Now watch LeShoure go to New England where BB constantly tinkers with his backfield. Unfortunately, none of the RB's drafted this year may be worth where they are going in fantasy drafts. May be better off going QB and IDP with the early picks this year.

 

[I was in the pool]

I would take Ingram in NO before LeShoure in NE. Easily. Now if Williams goes to Miami???

 

[shader]

I would take Ingram in NO before LeShoure in NE. Easily. Now if Williams goes to Miami???

I don't understand why people like Miami as a situation that much. Yeah, they focus on the run...but it doesn't seem like a great Oline. Now the Pouncey pick may help out a bit...But give me Ingram on the explosive Saints over any Dolphins RB any day of the week.

 

[shadyridr]

From neworleanssaints.com article Loomis recaps the first round: "A the end of the year, we had the opportunity to get the best back in this draft and the last time that we were able to get a real strong running back was Deuce McAllister and it worked out pretty well."

and:

"It’s become more of a passing league, so it probably devalues the running back from where it was ten years ago, but they’re still valuable players on any team, so obviously they’re valuable to us because we have two first round picks and we have Pierre Thomas who we just re-signed not long ago and we have an undrafted free agent we think high of in Chris Ivory."

Notice the lack of mentioning Bush? Read into it what you will, but Bush could be the odd man out IMO.

He said "We have two first round picks" meaning Bush & Ingram

 

[Cassius]

I would take Ingram in NO before LeShoure in NE. Easily. Now if Williams goes to Miami???

I don't understand why people like Miami as a situation that much. Yeah, they focus on the run...but it doesn't seem like a great Oline. Now the Pouncey pick may help out a bit...But give me Ingram on the explosive Saints over any Dolphins RB any day of the week.

It's probably one of the best OL's in the league.

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

Thomas/Ivory/Bush are just guys. Ingram is on another level talent wise from them. They didn't trade all that to put him in a timeshare with Bush and PT.

I always get a kick out of it when people say stuff like "NO doesn't use a workhorse back". Yea, they haven't, because they haven't had one of them. That doesn't mean they won't do so with Ingram on the roster. Past performance does not always indicate future results.

 

[Exit 1]

Anything less than 1,800 total yards (rushing & receiving) and 20 TD's in year 1 from Ingram and I'll be very surprised.

 

[Exit 1]

Anything less than 1,800 total yards (rushing & receiving) and 20 TD's in year 1 from Ingram and I'll be very surprised.He's a bullcow that can catch. He'll be a stud.

 

[loose circuits]

I would take Ingram in NO before LeShoure in NE. Easily. Now if Williams goes to Miami???

you think Williams would fall to the 3rd? I don't see that happening

 

[shader]

I would take Ingram in NO before LeShoure in NE. Easily. Now if Williams goes to Miami???

I don't understand why people like Miami as a situation that much. Yeah, they focus on the run...but it doesn't seem like a great Oline. Now the Pouncey pick may help out a bit...But give me Ingram on the explosive Saints over any Dolphins RB any day of the week.

It's probably one of the best OL's in the league.

Really?

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

I would take Ingram in NO before LeShoure in NE. Easily. Now if Williams goes to Miami???

I agree with this. I think I need to rethink my position on the Ingram / Leshoure debate. I can admit when I'm wrong and I do have the ability to change my mind. I still love Leshoure, but Ingram in New Orleans is tasty. I'm still worried some about this knee, but if Dr. Andrews isn't worried I shouldn't be I guess.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Anything less than 1,800 total yards (rushing & receiving) and 20 TD's in year 1 from Ingram and I'll be very surprised.

I'm not sure if you are sarcastically speaking in hyperbole, but you would be surprised if he didn't score 20 TDs?I love Mark Ingram, but even he wouldn't speculate reaching those numbers.

 

[eoMMan]

Anything less than 1,800 total yards (rushing & receiving) and 20 TD's in year 1 from Ingram and I'll be very surprised.

I'm not sure if you are sarcastically speaking in hyperbole, but you would be surprised if he didn't score 20 TDs?I love Mark Ingram, but even he wouldn't speculate reaching those numbers.

On that team, I think Exit 1 might be right (assuming he doesn't get hurt of course). I can see him in a range of 15 to 25 TD's.

 

[Scooby1974]

Anything less than 1,800 total yards (rushing & receiving) and 20 TD's in year 1 from Ingram and I'll be very surprised.

I'm not sure if you are sarcastically speaking in hyperbole, but you would be surprised if he didn't score 20 TDs?I love Mark Ingram, but even he wouldn't speculate reaching those numbers.

On that team, I think Exit 1 might be right (assuming he doesn't get hurt of course). I can see him in a range of 15 to 25 TD's.

Maybe we could keep the "potential pendulum" in balance here and say 1800 total yards and 15 TD's is reachable if all things are left equal.

 

[belljr]

I would take Ingram in NO before LeShoure in NE. Easily. Now if Williams goes to Miami???

I agree with this. I think I need to rethink my position on the Ingram / Leshoure debate. I can admit when I'm wrong and I do have the ability to change my mind. I still love Leshoure, but Ingram in New Orleans is tasty. I'm still worried some about this knee, but if Dr. Andrews isn't worried I shouldn't be I guess.

:( As much as I did not agree with you, I still loved your "sticktoittiveness". Now you flipped.Damn it. I was surprised by this move and flip flop back and forth on how I feel this impacts fantasy rookie but I think in the end it's a big plus for Ingram.I actually think this put Ivory down a bit. They'll start him on PUP and let him heal