National Football League
Ingram is right decision for Saints
National Football League

Ingram is right decision for Saints

Published Sep. 17, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

New Orleans Saints fans should view their hurricane glasses as half-full rather than half-empty.

Sean Payton certainly is.

Despite his well-earned reputation as one of the NFL's most brilliant offensive minds, Payton has gotten second-guessed by fans and media for an unsuccessful goal-line call nine days ago in a 42-34 season-opening loss at Green Bay. Rather than putting the football in star quarterback Drew Brees' hands with the game on the line, Payton called a running play that was stuffed as time expired.

Not only does he stand by the decision, it was no accident whose number Payton called. Betting on a rookie making his NFL debut on the road in such a pressure situation speaks volumes about the future Payton believes Mark Ingram has with the Saints.

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"Certainly we didn't get (the touchdown) in September," Payton told FOXSports.com after Friday's practice. "But I think that's a play we're going to see him score on a number of times as the season progresses."

Of course, the Saints will need every point they can muster if the defense doesn't play better, starting with Sunday's home game against Chicago (1-0). Ingram, though, has already shown signs of lighting up the scoreboard with touchdowns in each of New Orleans' first three preseason games. He also led all Saints rushers with 13 carries for 40 yards against the Packers. Both figures would likely be higher if the Saints weren't playing catch-up after falling behind, 21-7, in the first quarter.

The offseason additions of Ingram and speedy free-agent Darren Sproles have helped the Saints quickly move past the departure of Reggie Bush, who was traded to Miami in July. The Saints also hope the trio of Ingram, Sproles and Pierre Thomas can provide the type of rushing production sorely missed in 2010 when injuries ravaged the running back position and New Orleans failed to defend its Super Bowl title.

"It was amazing," Ingram said Friday of his first NFL action. "You couldn't really ask for anything more than being in Lambeau Field to kick off the whole season. It was a great game. We fought hard; they fought hard.

"Just to know that when the game is on the line coach Payton would put the ball in my hands is definitely encouraging. It makes me want to play that much harder for him."

Effort was never an issue during Ingram's three seasons at the University of Alabama. Ingram — whose gliding rushing style draws comparisons to Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith — became the first player in the Crimson Tide's storied history to win the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore in 2009. He turned pro before his senior season and was the No. 28 overall pick in the first round of last April's draft.

"When we draft a player in the early rounds, you have high expectations. But truth be told, it isn't until they come and practice that first week that you get your first impression," Payton said. "From the very beginning with him he's handled it extremely well. He's physical. He's got great balance. You can tell he's been well-coached."

Payton also mentioned another positive trait that is serving Ingram well — humility.

Ingram readily admits he isn't anywhere near a finished product. After analyzing his performance against Green Bay, Ingram said he has spent the past week in practice working toward "having a clear mind and knowing exactly what I'm doing on every single play so I'm not hesitant and thinking when I'm out there."

Ingram also offers effusive praise to Sproles and Thomas for helping him learn the Saints offense in a lockout-affected NFL season, even though his success will cost the latter some carries. In time, Ingram is expected to become the every-down back Bush never became in six Saints seasons because of injuries and size limitations.

"There's a lot of talent here and guys who have been here for a while and have some skins on the wall," Brees said. "I think (Ingram) understands that it takes a lot of hard work and years of experience to get to that point. It doesn't happen overnight. He's going to be humble and hungry and plug along every day and take advantage of every opportunity he gets."

Payton received that same kind of scouting report from legendary NFL head coach and mentor Bill Parcells before drafting Ingram. Parcells coached Ingram's father, Mark Sr., as an NFL wide receiver from 1987-90 with the New York Giants and has remained close to the family.

"My mom and grandma and family, we're real Christian," the soft-spoken Ingram said. "I feel like God has blessed me with the opportunity to be here. The blessing is in the talent he has given me. I feel like without Him, I wouldn't be able to do the things I'm able to do. It's not just me — it's Him as well.

"I don't see the point in being arrogant or cocky or all that. People don't like it. I just like to have fun and love football. I don't think I'm better than anybody. I'm just a regular guy who's able to play football pretty good."

Ingram couldn't help but giggle after making that last statement. In the future, he should be having the last laugh in crunch time as well.

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