The Ivory Coast to the Endzone (1 Viewer)

[Hairy Snowman]

I am always looking for the fresh legs that know a system inserted late in the season. Ivory is a talent. And inserted into that offense, with that schedule, is it possible this is the week 10 playoff pickup darling?

Happens every year....

 

[shadyridr]

Hes splitting touches with 2 other RBs and when Sproles comes back he will probably be INACTIVE.

 

[fruity pebbles]

He looked great Monday night. Like any of them though, wont see more than 7-8 carries usually.

 

[Isotopes]

I watched the game Monday and agree with Gruden - this guy needs to be on the field. Ingram also looked good, but from my untrained eye, Ivory seems to be the most talented back in that backfield. His burst and size/speed combo seem lethal. I don't understand how a guy like that can be inactive.

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

He's a longshot but stranger things have happened. I like him as a dynasty stash for next season.

 

[BobbyLayne]

His situation is bad. It's very hard to understand the Saints evaaluation of Ivory. Every time he carries the ball he's blasting through and keeps driving forward and it really looks impressive. Then everyone gets healthy and he has no role.

We've travelled this road before, folks.

 

[steelcityman]

as far as next year goes, is Ivory or Ingram a better option?

Ivory should be 1-2 down RB, and then Sproles on 3rd down when he comes back.

 

[The Man With No Name]

He's a longshot but stranger things have happened. I like him as a dynasty stash for next season.

Restricted free agent after this season.

 

[BallparkFrank]

Talented players that are largely ignored due to situation only are where you often find the dynasty rainbow meeting the pot of gold. Ivory has the skills to be a starting RB in this league.

 

[JFS171]

The talent was clear IMO. And as I said in other threads, to me, Ivory set the tone for that entire backfield.

First series, he was in the game on the second play, and a penalty (false start I belive) changed the down and distance, and the saints changed personnel.

When he came in the game, first carry goes for 9 yards, second to the house. Great blocking, yes, but he still ran with great burst and power, exploded through the holes, made the first guy miss, gained yards after contact.

AFTER that, we see Ingram running more aggressively than he has all year, and PT ripping off huge chunks. I'm not sure if Ingram felt threatened, or if the O-line responded to the way Ivory ran, or if it was simply a case of the defense being terrible... but Ivory looks like a talent to me.

And for dynasty, a RFA that's shown that kind of talent... Saints will likely tender him, but how much can they reasonably tie up in the RB position? 5 roster spots again?

 

[Wrigley]

Don't want anything to do with this backfield

Brees is way to interested in his stats to make any of these guys(sans Sproles) relevant

 

[fruity pebbles]

Don't want anything to do with this backfieldBrees is way to interested in his stats to make any of these guys(sans Sproles) relevant

Very true. Monday night was a great example. Saints finally running the ball with authority, ripping huge chunks down to the 1. Brees tosses the gimme for a td.

 

[Eminence]

Maybe if all the other Saints RB die in a plane crash or something.

 

[Cawbird]

If you are looking for fresh legs, what about Joique Bell (Det)? He hasn't been used that much this year, although he is getting more touches every week. If LeShoure were to get injured again, Bell would be the primary RB weapon, with some Kevin Smith sprinkled in. Especially for PPR, He could be the golden ticket for the playoff run!

I agree with the others..........."Selfish Brees" won't allow for a RB to be relevant (sans Sproles).

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Don't want anything to do with this backfield

Brees is way to interested in his stats to make any of these guys(sans Sproles) relevant

Good lord, the Saints had the No. 6 overall rushing game last year. They were the most productive yardage offense in NFL history, lots of stats to go around and 4 (now 5) different RBs. If anyone recalls the Saints have had a bit of a problem historically on 2nd/3rd and short and at the goalline. Prime example was Ingram from the goal to try and tie the Packers game. And they drafted Ingram to just resolve that exact issue, which has somewhat failed. You can say the Saints have made a hell of a nasty mark on other teams using the pass to control the clock and move the chains (and get in at the goal) as a replacement for the run game but for crying out loud you won't get anywhere trying to estimate the internal motivations of football players or coaches.

Between Colston, Graham, Sproles and Moore and Brees throwing I'd say that's as good or better option than running Ingram/Ivory/Thomas 50% of the time at least, and doing that keeps the other side guessing to boot. And the Saints still finished 7th in rushing TDs last year with 16.

 

[John 14:6]

 

[DesmondBishop]

Let me start by saying, I am not a "I told you so" or "I said it first" type person, and I seriously doubt I did say anything first. But I love this thread, I definitely have been pimping Ivory as the best "pure" runner on the Saints and how he runs angry and has more burst and power than Ingram. I have said this in multiple threads and most Saints fans just poo-poo that and give me the how wrong I am and how Ingram is a beast and that's why they traded up for him next Emmitt Smith blah blah blah. It does feel good when others, (And I am sure you all said it first also, which is fine) jump in saying the same thing and wonder why Ivory isn't given a chance to run the ball, probably based on draft position.

I am sure most regular posters have experienced this same feeling/thought once in a while, it is nice to read whether anyone would ever give you credit or not.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=591790&st=600

Post #613, I like the post by shader, like 5 down from mine. This is just one thread, I am pretty sure there is at least one other where I said the same thing and took more criticism for not agreeing with everyone else.

 

[Zigg]

When you can pick up UDFA RBs like Pierre, Ivory, J.Bell and Cadet, while running a pass first offense, there was no reason to reach for Ingram.

That said, all Saint RBs will be very inconsistent while 3 or more are healthy.

PS - Ivory is a fantastic runner.

 

[Crippler]

Give me a Vick Ballard or Bilal Powell instead

Really like Ballard who will have nice fresh legs also and is taking over the job,

 

[Wrigley]

Don't want anything to do with this backfield

Brees is way to interested in his stats to make any of these guys(sans Sproles) relevant

Good lord, the Saints had the No. 6 overall rushing game last year. They were the most productive yardage offense in NFL history, lots of stats to go around and 4 (now 5) different RBs. If anyone recalls the Saints have had a bit of a problem historically on 2nd/3rd and short and at the goalline. Prime example was Ingram from the goal to try and tie the Packers game. And they drafted Ingram to just resolve that exact issue, which has somewhat failed. You can say the Saints have made a hell of a nasty mark on other teams using the pass to control the clock and move the chains (and get in at the goal) as a replacement for the run game but for crying out loud you won't get anywhere trying to estimate the internal motivations of football players or coaches.

Between Colston, Graham, Sproles and Moore and Brees throwing I'd say that's as good or better option than running Ingram/Ivory/Thomas 50% of the time at least, and doing that keeps the other side guessing to boot. And the Saints still finished 7th in rushing TDs last year with 16.

Operative wordAgain, picking up any NO RB not named Sproles is a mistake.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

I agree the situation is a mess.

I was never a Ivory pimper. However, he just looked stronger than I have ever seen him. I don't know if he could survive a season as a lead back, but he looked like a guy who could go on a tear.

Shame he probably wont get the chance....

 

[Chazzhawk]

I grabbed him in a dynasty league just for the stash incase someone else gets hurt or the Saints let him walk after this year.

 

[kegger]

Don't want anything to do with this backfield

Brees is way to interested in his stats to make any of these guys(sans Sproles) relevant

Good lord, the Saints had the No. 6 overall rushing game last year. They were the most productive yardage offense in NFL history, lots of stats to go around and 4 (now 5) different RBs. If anyone recalls the Saints have had a bit of a problem historically on 2nd/3rd and short and at the goalline. Prime example was Ingram from the goal to try and tie the Packers game. And they drafted Ingram to just resolve that exact issue, which has somewhat failed. You can say the Saints have made a hell of a nasty mark on other teams using the pass to control the clock and move the chains (and get in at the goal) as a replacement for the run game but for crying out loud you won't get anywhere trying to estimate the internal motivations of football players or coaches.

Between Colston, Graham, Sproles and Moore and Brees throwing I'd say that's as good or better option than running Ingram/Ivory/Thomas 50% of the time at least, and doing that keeps the other side guessing to boot. And the Saints still finished 7th in rushing TDs last year with 16.

Operative wordAgain, picking up any NO RB not named Sproles is a mistake.

Agreed regardless of how you want to spin it, Sproles was the onlyuseful fantasy RB on this team, and I don't see it changing shortly.

Unless 2 more guy's get injured I don't believe there will be much here.

 

[donkshow]

He looked great, but he'll never get enough touches to warrant a start unless Thomas also gets hurt, even then, 10-12.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

IF you are a Sproles owner and Thomas is rostered (and he is in 90% of leagues) then and only then would you want to pick up Ivory. Even then Ingram is more valuable. The problem is if you were counting on Sproles as a RB2 you were already in trouble...I know, I am in that situation.

 

[bucsbaby]

if you were counting on Sproles as a RB2 you were already in trouble...

I have to assume that people who keep saying this are in non-PPR. In PPR, Sproles, pre-injury, was just fine...

 

[BallparkFrank]

Is it safe to say that most of the naysayers in here are in re-draft leagues and not dynasty/keepers? For the long haul, I don't know how you can't like Ivory.

It sounds like the Saints have major cap issues heading into 2013 as well as they attempt to fix their historically bad defense, so I'm not so sure that Ivory being a RFA will be their top priority:

ESPN's John Clayton, one of the best in the business at crunching salary-cap numbers, projects the Saints at $16.1 million over the cap next year. And after the Saints back-loaded so many of their new and restructured contracts this past offseason, I did a breakdown that showed the combined salary-cap figures of 10 of their highest-priced players will leap from $37.1 million this year to $85.4 million next year. - LINK

 

[donkshow]

Would not be surprised if Ivory is the starting back on another team by Week 4 next season.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

if you were counting on Sproles as a RB2 you were already in trouble...

I have to assume that people who keep saying this are in non-PPR. In PPR, Sproles, pre-injury, was just fine...

4 decent games, 1 average game, two duds, an injury week and a bye. I think he is probably 17-20 rank in PPR leagues which makes him an adequate RB2. However, add in the injury time and you are screwed. Virtually all of hi spoints are garnered through the air...that probably requires good hands of which he is now down one.

 

[Two Deep]

I watched the game Monday and agree with Gruden - this guy needs to be on the field. Ingram also looked good, but from my untrained eye, Ivory seems to be the most talented back in that backfield. His burst and size/speed combo seem lethal. I don't understand how a guy like that can be inactive.

Not even close. Pierre Thomas is their best back and has been. For some reason the coaches can't and won't believe it. He is always moving forward makes positive plays, has great hands and is one of the most slippery RB's in the league. He sustainerd a few injuries early in his career and that is the only reason I can think of why they only play him part time. They tried Reggie Bush, Thomas out played him. They drafted Ingram but Thomas out plays him. They can try Ivory but Thomas will out play him. Ivory had a nice cut back 22 yard TD, but gained a whopping 26 yards on his other 9 carries.Pierre Thomas career numbers:Rush atmpts 585 Rush yards 2,802 yards per atmpt 4.8 Tds 24Recept 183 yards 1,534 yds per rec 8.4 Tds 7That is some production from a part time starter

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I watched the game Monday and agree with Gruden - this guy needs to be on the field. Ingram also looked good, but from my untrained eye, Ivory seems to be the most talented back in that backfield. His burst and size/speed combo seem lethal. I don't understand how a guy like that can be inactive.

Not even close. Pierre Thomas is their best back and has been. For some reason the coaches can't and won't believe it. He is always moving forward makes positive plays, has great hands and is one of the most slippery RB's in the league. He sustainerd a few injuries early in his career and that is the only reason I can think of why they only play him part time. They tried Reggie Bush, Thomas out played him. They drafted Ingram but Thomas out plays him. They can try Ivory but Thomas will out play him. Ivory had a nice cut back 22 yard TD, but gained a whopping 26 yards on his other 9 carries.Pierre Thomas career numbers:Rush atmpts 585 Rush yards 2,802 yards per atmpt 4.8 Tds 24Recept 183 yards 1,534 yds per rec 8.4 Tds 7That is some production from a part time starter

Pierre Thomas has the highest average yards per rush in Saints history.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Don't want anything to do with this backfield

Brees is way to interested in his stats to make any of these guys(sans Sproles) relevant

Good lord, the Saints had the No. 6 overall rushing game last year. They were the most productive yardage offense in NFL history, lots of stats to go around and 4 (now 5) different RBs. If anyone recalls the Saints have had a bit of a problem historically on 2nd/3rd and short and at the goalline. Prime example was Ingram from the goal to try and tie the Packers game. And they drafted Ingram to just resolve that exact issue, which has somewhat failed. You can say the Saints have made a hell of a nasty mark on other teams using the pass to control the clock and move the chains (and get in at the goal) as a replacement for the run game but for crying out loud you won't get anywhere trying to estimate the internal motivations of football players or coaches.

Between Colston, Graham, Sproles and Moore and Brees throwing I'd say that's as good or better option than running Ingram/Ivory/Thomas 50% of the time at least, and doing that keeps the other side guessing to boot. And the Saints still finished 7th in rushing TDs last year with 16.

Operative wordAgain, picking up any NO RB not named Sproles is a mistake.

The point just being that the RB situation is not a result of Brees' drive for records, it's a function of the system and matchups and trying to win ball games.Also, no Sproles right now - I think we're talking FF replacements and possibly RB2 options for those in need. If you're looking for a RB who could potentially get you 50 yards, 2 catches for 20 yards and a legitimate shot at TD you should put Ivory on your list. And I wouldn't take him off saying 'oh that's the Saints'. I don't love the Falcons matchup though. However the Saints are looking to close strong and will do what it takes to do that, I wouldn't write him off.

 

[saintfool]

I watched the game Monday and agree with Gruden - this guy needs to be on the field. Ingram also looked good, but from my untrained eye, Ivory seems to be the most talented back in that backfield. His burst and size/speed combo seem lethal. I don't understand how a guy like that can be inactive.

Not even close. Pierre Thomas is their best back and has been. For some reason the coaches can't and won't believe it. He is always moving forward makes positive plays, has great hands and is one of the most slippery RB's in the league. He sustainerd a few injuries early in his career and that is the only reason I can think of why they only play him part time. They tried Reggie Bush, Thomas out played him. They drafted Ingram but Thomas out plays him. They can try Ivory but Thomas will out play him. Ivory had a nice cut back 22 yard TD, but gained a whopping 26 yards on his other 9 carries.Pierre Thomas career numbers:Rush atmpts 585 Rush yards 2,802 yards per atmpt 4.8 Tds 24Recept 183 yards 1,534 yds per rec 8.4 Tds 7That is some production from a part time starter

the thing about ivory is he is not a pass catching threat at all. it was gobsmacked to see the throw to him in the Eagles game. PT, by contrast, is effective catching and running the ball. no one knows how to handle the screen the way he does.

 

[Two Deep]

I watched the game Monday and agree with Gruden - this guy needs to be on the field. Ingram also looked good, but from my untrained eye, Ivory seems to be the most talented back in that backfield. His burst and size/speed combo seem lethal. I don't understand how a guy like that can be inactive.

Not even close. Pierre Thomas is their best back and has been. For some reason the coaches can't and won't believe it. He is always moving forward makes positive plays, has great hands and is one of the most slippery RB's in the league. He sustainerd a few injuries early in his career and that is the only reason I can think of why they only play him part time. They tried Reggie Bush, Thomas out played him. They drafted Ingram but Thomas out plays him. They can try Ivory but Thomas will out play him. Ivory had a nice cut back 22 yard TD, but gained a whopping 26 yards on his other 9 carries.Pierre Thomas career numbers:Rush atmpts 585 Rush yards 2,802 yards per atmpt 4.8 Tds 24Recept 183 yards 1,534 yds per rec 8.4 Tds 7That is some production from a part time starter

the thing about ivory is he is not a pass catching threat at all. it was gobsmacked to see the throw to him in the Eagles game. PT, by contrast, is effective catching and running the ball. no one knows how to handle the screen the way he does.

Look what just came across Rotoworld: Pierre Thomas led the Saints backfield in snaps during the Week 9 win over the Eagles.Thomas played on 21-of-56 snaps. Mark Ingram was next with 18, Chris Ivory was at 13 and Travaris Cadet played six. It's a committee in it's truest form, but Thomas still has the most fantasy appeal here. He's averaging an impressive 4.7 yards per carry and 10.1 yards per catch this season. Thomas is also the only back of the four that is an asset in both the running and screen game. Nov 8 - 11:01 AMSource: New Orleans Times-Picayune Do we know our stuff or what.

 

[thatguythere]

Ivory will be fine when the Saints are in games where they are ahead. Hasn't been too many of those this year. Thomas will be the one to have in the games where they are behind playing catch up...with Sproles out obviously.

 

[JFS171]

Again, I think a lot of the sentiment for dynasty owners was for next year. Ivory's situation could change substantially given he's an RFA. And the talent is apparent to many of us.

Still think he could make a worthwhile flex down the stretch, especially if he continues producing with what opportunities he gets.

 

[Ray_T]

He looked great Monday night. Like any of them though, wont see more than 7-8 carries usually.

Yep. he did look great. on one or two plays even reminded me of Steven Jackson from the Rams. It's a bit of a shame that the Saints dont run the ball much and that he is in a time share. if the Saints get more injuries to the RB's he could be a nice pickup. Sadly he's not worth much right now.

 

[SameSongNDance]

Just imagine what could have been if they had traded Ivory to a RB needy team. All three backs would hold some value right now.

 

[Sea Duck]

Chris Ivory just had one of the greatest touchdown runs that I have ever seen.

 

[We Tigers]

Seriously fantastic run. As badly as Lynch juked the Saints in the playoffs two years ago, Ivory did Atlanta just as dirty.

 

[William Munny]

Just imagine what could have been if they had traded Ivory to a RB needy team. All three backs would hold some value right now.

He is their best rb and should probably get all the carries.