New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram spoke with local media in a conference call, discussing everything from his perspective post-suspension to how the team’s camaraderie is helping them win games.
Ingram was his most vocal when asked about how much fun’s been having in the Saints’ long winning streak:
“It’s been amazing. I love our team. I love how the city is behind us. I love the confidence we’re playing with and the swagger we’re playing with. We just believe in each other. We all care about each other. We’re a selfless group. We all want everyone to do well. We want everyone to have success and I think when you have a team that’s all confident and everybody wants the best for the teammates and everybody wants to win and everyone is confident (success is going to happen). I think yes on special man. We have a special group of guys. When you do that it is fun being out there with the guys. It is fun being out there with the coaches and winning and that is why we put in the work that we do. Just to be able to enjoy that time and enjoy that feeling and keep it all going.”
Ingram downplayed the impact of his early-season suspension on his performance, but admitted that he feels good after having a late start to his 2018 campaign:
“Yes, I feel like I’ve played some games. But I feel good. I’m in a good place physically, mentally and I’m just trying to keep going and keep getting better.”
The Saints have one of the league’s strongest backfields between Ingram, the electric Alvin Kamara, and short-yardage specialist Taysom Hill. Ingram didn’t shy away from questions of whether he expects to lead the team in rushing attempts every week, but he was realistic about his expectations (“There is only one ball to get around.”). It’s clear that Ingram is a player who appreciates and understands his role on the team. Saints head coach Sean Payton acknowledged the value Ingram brings in his own conference call:
“He’s a tremendous player and I think that combination of both he and Alvin together has been pretty good for us. It is much more difficult if you are limited to just one of those players.”