Footwork. It was the first thing Saints’ fans recognized about fifth-year running back Mark Ingram against the Dallas Cowboys. The former Alabama standout showed toughness in between the tackles, and quickness on the edge. Ingram was pivotal in New Orleans’ first touchdown of the game, a three-yard pass from Drew Brees to tight end Josh Hill.

Brees faked a run to Ingram and he carried out the fake by getting Dallas’ linebackers to bite. Ingram totaled 77 rushing yards and 51 receiving yards on 23 touches.

He averaged 4.5 yards per carry, with a long of 15 yards. Ingram posted 8.5 yards per catch on seven targets. New Orleans earned its first win, defeating the Cowboys 26-20 in overtime.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.

You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.