Even with him missing the first four games with the New Orleans Saints, running back Mark Ingram knows how to make up time. The eighth-year veteran from the University of Alabama has recorded a pair of 100-yard rushing games since his return and helped the Saints clinch an NFC South title at 12-2.
New Orleans currently has the best record in the league and looks to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Despite a rough performance from Drew Brees on Monday, Ingram totaled 63 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry in a 12-9 win for the Saints over Carolina.
He’s posted 729 total yards — 582 rushing, 147 receiving– with five touchdowns through 14 games.
The first-round pick of the 2011 NFL Draft accounts for four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from scrimmage, dating back to 2014 (1,109, nine touchdowns).
Ingram is 271 yards shy of recording his fifth straight 1,000-yard year and one score away from setting a new career rushing touchdown mark for the franchise.
RELATED: Mark Ingram ties career mark in rushing touchdowns for New Orleans Saints
In its quest to finish the regular season at 14-2, the Saints have Pittsburgh and the Panthers remaining on its schedule. Regardless of having Alvin Kamara in the backfield with him, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner will give it his best attempt to reach the mark. While is 4.8 yards per carry is tied for third-best in his career, Ingram’s average of 8.2 yards a reception is the highest of his tenure.
With him, New Orleans is eighth in the NFL in rushing (127.4 ypg) and tallies a league-high 22 scores.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
