New Orleans running back Pierre Thomas knows the Saints are a passing team first and a running team second, but he’d like to point out that the Saints can say something few other NFL teams can: They go four deep at running back.
Thomas talked to the Saints’ website about the fact that the four running backs in New Orleans combined for 2,013 rushing yards in 2011, with Thomas gaining 562, Darren Sproles gaining 603, Mark Ingram gaining 474 and Chris Ivory gaining 374. And while Thomas knows the reality of the Saints’ offense means no individual player in New Orleans is going to lead the league in rushing, he believes the Saints can have the best backfield in football.
“I am very excited to get things going and get back at it with these guys,” said Thomas. “I have always felt good about this group of running backs. I feel we have something special. Each one of us brings a unique skillset. We are trying to be the best backfield in the league. I see the excitement in these guys’ eyes. They are fired up.”
Other teams have 1,000-yard rushers, but no other team has a group of running backs with the combination of skills that Thomas, Sproles, Ingram and Ivory bring. Thomas can make a case that he’s a part of the best backfield in the NFL.