New Orleans Saints Running Back Controversy: Pierre Thomas (Part 1 of 5)

I have been a Saints fan as long as I can remember and can’t ever think of a time that we had such a talented group of running backs.

All I hear from everybody I know is “Who is going to be the Saints running back this year?”, or “I guess Reggie is out.”

So, I have gone through a multitude of scenarios in my head and voiced them to my family and friends and even to fans of other teams who are still hating on the Saints since we won the Superbowl.

So, I am going to share some of my own personal thoughts on the crowded, but yet very talented Saints backfield.

At first, I was going to just write one article condensing it all down. However, as a die hard Saints fan I am very passionate in my thought and beliefs when it comes to my beloved Saints.

So, I have decided to make this article 1 in a series of 5. I will write an article about each of  the Saints top 4 running backs and follow it up with a summary and my personal conclusions as the Super Saints fan that I believe I am.

Let’s start with Pierre Thomas. Pierre came to the Saints in 2007 as an undrafted free agent and was one of only two rookie free agents to make the opening day roster.

He started to make his way into Saints fans hearts as a tough and hard running kick returner. Late in the 2007 season Pierre got his first chance to start, and it just happened to be in his hometown against the Chicago Bears.

Thomas was on fire in his first start. He had 20 carries for 105 yards and 12 catches for 121 yards for a combined total of 226 yards, which was the 3rd highest total in team history. He was also the first Saint to gain over 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in a single game.

Pierre went on to lead the Saints in rushing in 2008 and 2009 with 4.8 and 5.4 yards per carry, respectively. He  also led the Saints in scoring in 2008 with 72 points.

Of the 112 catchable balls thrown to Pierre Thomas, he dropped only 1 — no other running back in the NFL has a lower drop percentage than Pierre during the last 3 seasons.

Pierre’s toughness came in to question this past season in regards to his ankle injury that sidelined him for most of the year. Most people forget though that he had that amazing game in Chicago in 2007, in which he played with 2 cracked ribs.

The Saints are obviously are very high on him and his abilities to be a major contributor to the team, since they signed him to a new contract this off season. (Prior to the lockout…which I hope ends soon!) He has all the ability, desire, and talent to be a lead back for the 2011 New Orleans Saints.

(Next: A Look at Chris Ivory-Saints Running Back)