Mark Ingram has yet to take his college success to the pros leaving many New Orleans Saints fans frustrated with him. Attempting to stand out amongst a crowded group of running backs, Ingram has yet to find his place with the Saints since getting drafted in 2011. After it was reported Ingram wanted a trade out of New Orleans, the running back is going on the defense about his future.
Ingram spoke with media on Thursday and said he had no idea where the trade rumors about his were coming from. Instead, he slammed the media for false stories and admitted his love for his Saints team.
"No, you guys (media) came up with that. I don't know who came up with that. I've never said that at all. I never asked for it. Don't want it," Ingram said, via Nola.com. "Like I said, New Orleans is home. I love teammates, love my coaches, love this organization. I'm very grateful to be part of this organization. It's a class organization."
CBSSports.com was the first to report that the running back was requesting a trade. While head coach Sean Payton denied the idea, it seemed plausible. New Orleans is a pass-first team with Drew Brees at quarterback. They use a three-man rotation when they opt to run the ball, which is not often. This leaves Ingram fighting for time against Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.
Ingram is the type of running back that gets better with each carry he is given. He is a momentum type of back that works well when a rhythm is established. Clearly, the Saints do not give him that opportunity. Ingram's best year came in 2012 after injuries gave him more playing time. The running back put up 602 yards and five touchdowns.
"Stuff comes from everywhere all of the time," Ingram said. "People speculate things, assume things that may not be true. That's OK. I know the truth and everybody in the organization knows the truth. Nothing like that ever came about. That's all that matters. The air is clear here."
As of right now, Ingram is not seeing the field at all thanks to a toe injury. He missed his fourth consecutive practice. He was forced to sit out the team's game against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday and is doubtful for this week against the Dolphins. When he does get back on the field, Ingram promises improvement. Brees came to his defense admitting the offensive line is not offering much help to the run game.
"You know, I think we've just missed on a couple of big runs that would have probably really helped the average," Brees said. "If you're just looking at the average and the total and think, 'Ah, it's not where we want to be.' It's not a knock on the O-line. It's not a knock on the running backs. It's not a knock on the scheme. It just hasn't happened yet. I think what I can say is that we stuck with it."