New Orleans Saints 2015 Training Camp Profile: RB Mark Ingram

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New Orleans Saints 2015 Training Camp Profile: Mark Ingram
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It will be a crowded backfield once again for the New Orleans Saints. However, running back Mark Ingram is set to have another solid season for the team as the primary rushing option.

Ingram re-signed with Saints this offseason on a four-year, $16 million extension. After having an inconsistent career up until last season, he earned one more opportunity through injuries in the backfield to rack up 964 rushing yards on 226 carries in 2014. His production last season has many people believing he can be the primary running back the Saints thought he was when they drafted him.

Ingram is a physical style runner and can be a passing option out of the backfield once in a while. He does not break a lot of big yardage type runs, as the longest run of his career is a 35-yard rush. His lack of explosiveness is why the Saints substitute other running backs into the rotation, but the fact that the Saints wanted Ingram back shows that the team likes what he did for them as a physical runner last season.

The Saints have Khiry Robinson returning from a forearm injury, and he was actually receiving more opportunities than Ingram before the injury. The Saints also signed explosive, but often-injured running back C.J. Spiller. Spiller showed a unique ability to find open space and then break away from opposing defense. It is expected that the Saints will use all three backs throughout the season.

The Saints also added strength to their offensive line in center Max Unger by trading away tight end Jimmy Graham, and they drafted offensive tackle Andrus Peat with their first-round pick. The additional offensive line help will protect Drew Brees, and it will also open up more running lanes.

The Saints are a passing team. However, if they are able to run the ball at an effective rate, they can take pressure off of Brees. Also, Brees no longer has his big target in Graham to throw to. This is where Ingram can earn his money. Brees liked targeting Graham in the red zone. If Ingram can use his physical running style to find the end zone, it will substitute for what Graham’s production has usually been.

The Saints want to reach the Super Bowl one more time before Brees’ career is over. The way they can achieve this is by having a more balanced offensive attack. Brees already has the passing game covered, and Ingram can provide a strong, physical presence in the ground game. The Saints may not use Ingram as an every down back, but they would fare much better if they did.

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