Jun 4, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) warms up before the team

When mentioning the New Orleans Saints’ offense it can be easy to overlook the stable of running backs on the roster in favor of quarterback Drew Brees and the high-flying passing attack.

That would be a huge mistake in the 2013 season.

Chris Ivory may be gone, but the Saints have a three-headed monster at the position that will surprise the NFL next year. The collective talents of Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas form a combination that could give opposing defense headaches.

We all know what Sproles is capable of at any time. He possesses elite speed and elusiveness in the open field which allows him to make major contributions in both the passing and running game.

Then you have Ingram, who certainly has not had enough touches so far during his time with the Saints. He’s a banger between the tackles who can get the tough yards when the team needs them the most. Some have clamored for the “bust” label with Ingram but next year will ultimately decide if he deserves it. Becoming more versatile by improving his pass-catching skills would help him in a major way.

Finally you have Thomas. He may just be the most complete package the team has at the position. He catches passes out of the backfield well enough and can get the tough yards up the middle. His presence on the field creates an air of unpredictability thanks to his versatile skill set.

The combination of all three being used as interchangeable pieces could give opposing defenses fits next season, especially if Sproles can stay healthy and Ingram can work on his traits in the passing game.

Adding a powerful running game to complement the aerial attack in New Orleans will reduce the strain on quarterback Drew Brees to produce. It will also help the defense by keeping them off the field for longer periods of time. An effective, grinding running game instead of an incomplete pass will give the defense the time it needs to make adjustments, not to mention catch its breath.

It’s easy to pigeonhole the Saints as a passing team, which is understandable. That all could change in 2013 with a vastly underrated trio of backs.

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Sep 16, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (28) on the bench. The Panthers defeated the Saints 35-27 at Bank of America Stadium . Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints running back position has always been head-scratching, ever since Sean Payton arrived and especially since Deuce McAllister retired. That was never supposed to happen after they drafted Reggie Bush. And now, it is starting to look that way with Mark Ingram as well, with many, fans mostly, citing him as a bust. I don’t think he’s a bust, it is way too early to determine that for sure, especially with the injury issues he’s had. But is he on his last chance to prove himself as a sure-fire starter?

According to ESPN, he has a career average 3.9 yards per carry for a total of 1,076 yards and 10 touchdowns on 278 carries. Last year he averaged 3.9 yards per carry with 602 yards and 5 touchdowns on 156 carries. If you do the math, he has gotten better from his rookie year. But, you aren’t drafted in the first round to run under, at the very least, 800 yards per year. You take advantage of your opportunities and make something happen.

Mark Ingram at Alabama was a dynamo at running back. He broke your ankles and then plowed you over while still eating his breakfast sandwich. He was unstoppable. Injuries aside, his potential was why the Saints drafted the Heisman Trophy winner after his junior season. He hasn’t always been ruled out because of injuries but has had minor knee surgery and a consistent issue with his toe.

Fortunately, he seems to be in great shape and ready to make an impact. Also fortunate for him, he is unlikely to face as strict competition in the backfield with Chris Ivory now in New York. The obstacle he faces is to avoid injury and beat out Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles, both of which have proven throughout their careers that they cannot be ignored on the depth chart. They both helped make the decision for the Saints to part ways with Reggie Bush. But with Thomas turning 29 at the end of next season and Sproles turning 30 this month, the Saints don’t have the same luxury with Ingram. He must step up and prove he belongs.

He was our best back last year, especially down the stretch. With more touches, it is easy to see that he will punish more defenders next year. And, as Mike Triplett reports, with the healthiest and hungriest he’s been since he’s been drafted, I suspect that the Saints will give him every chance to succeed. But for a running back, at the end of the day, it matters how many yards you run and how many points you score. Ingram will only prove he isn’t a bust if he gives the team concrete success.

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May 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) runs past head coach Sean Payton during organized team activities at the Saints training facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It’s June which means NFL teams are well into team drills, meetings, and doing their darnedest not to give specific information to the media.That will change somewhat next week however. The Saints announced that their minicamp next week will be open to the public.

Head coach Sean Payton did talk to the media however concerning the role of one player in particular, Travaris Cadet.

Payton: “Cadet can be used in various scenarios”

If you’ve got an axe to grind concerning running back Mark Ingram’s production the past two years, you may want to check this out.

Is Mark Ingram a bust?

Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton is loving the new defense being installed by Rob Ryan.

“A lot of guys are crossed trained,” he said. “One week me and Vilma could be outside backers and Junior (Galette) and Martez (Wilson) could be inside backers so you never know where we are going to be at. It gives us a lot of fluid to switch in and out.”

Former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis visited the New England Patriots yesterday.

Also make sure you check out these OTA Highlights. Who Dat!!