Mark Ingram is a Heisman Trophy winner. He helped lead the Alabama Crimson Tide to a National Championship. He was a first-round draft pick by the New Orleans Saints and yet he cannot seem to get his career in the NFL moving. Ever since Ingram was stuffed at the goal line in the 2012 season opener at Lambeau Field, Ingram has not been what people expected. However, now in his third season with the team, the Saints' organization are expecting something different.
The running game for the New Orleans Saints has never been that great. Most NFL fans can attest to the belief that the Saints' offense relies on Drew Brees and only Brees. They are a pass first offense, so many of the running backs have yet to truly see the spotlight. Reggie Bush was a different case. A gritty runner like Ingram only barely sees the field, but Payton sees that changing.
"I know we have high expectations for Mark and he has high expectations for himself," Payton told the media on Thursday. "He is in great shape right now. I know he is anxious, . . . healthy, and probably I would say going into his third year as healthy and as good of shape as he has been. I expect him to be a big part of what we do running the football."
Owner Mickey Loomis is echoing those statements, noting that Ingram is completely healthy and the team wants more touchdowns out of the running back. Loomis wants an offensive plan that allows Ingram to really show his versatility as a runner instead of just being stuck in short-yardage situations.
Ingram is itching to get back to his old college form. While hosting a youth camp in Alabama, Ingram told media that he feels great and he just wants to continue to improve.
"I'm feeling good. I'm feeling healthy. I've been training hard this offseason," Ingram told Tuscaloosa News. "I'm looking forward to having a big year this year. I've been getting better every year. I battled some injuries my first year. I was healthy all of last year. My goal is to continue to improve every single year."
The Saints have a relatively crowded running back roster. Ingram is forced to split time with Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles. For a team that passes on most of their plays, they have a lot of running backs. Despite the number of running backs, in Ingram's first two seasons, he managed to put up 1,076 yards and 10 touchdowns in 26 games. With Payton back in the fold, Ingram will either step up and be the top guy, or he may be looking to leave as soon as possible.