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New Orleans Saints: 5 burning questions in 2018

By Joe D'Aloisio

Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Mark Ingram ll #22 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Layne Murdoch/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Mark Ingram ll #22 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Layne Murdoch/Getty Images) /

3. Who will replace Mark Ingram?

Last season the Saints had one of the NFL’s most effective backfields. This season, their two-headed rushing attack will not be together for start of 2018.

Mark Ingram, who rushed for a career-high 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, will miss the first four games of the 2018 NFL season for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.

With the absence of Ingram, the Saints will rely heavily on Alvin Kamara. Kamara was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, after posting 1,554 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns.

The former 2017 third-round selection was ranked the second-highest running back, according to Pro Football Focus. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry, which was the most in the NFL, for running backs who had a least 120 attempts. Kamara’s rushing ability and production in the pass game make him one of the most dangerous players in the NFL, but he will need support.

This offseason, the Saints signed two veteran running backs; Terrance West and Shane Vereen. West, who entered the league in 2014 has rushed for 1,816 yards and 11 career touchdowns. As for Vereen, the seven-year pro has never been a truly effective runner. Most of his success has come from effectiveness as a pass catcher out of the back field.

The Saints will also take a closer look at running backs Trey Edmunds and Boston Scott. Edmunds has very little NFL experience and Scott was drafted in the sixth-round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Both of these unproven backs have a tremendous opportunity to showcase their skill-set with Ingram out for the first-quarter of the season.

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