The truth is, Mark Ingram's future as a Saint isn't really worth discussing at this juncture. For twenty-eight NFL organizations, the largely financial ramifications of free agency might currently be a topical topic, but not for one whose near 30-year old running back is locked in as a leader of a championship-caliber team, regardless of the status of his contract. What is worth discussing, however, is the attitude, effort, and work ethic that Mark Ingram has somewhat subtly displayed in slowly-but-surely going from a fanbase's favorite fall guy as an underwhelming first round pick to one of the few faces of a resurgent franchise. Along with his fellow draft class mate in Cam Jordan, 'Deuce-Deuce' has helped to shift the culture in New Orleans both on and off the field. In time, he's developed into as much of a consistent, versatile, and trustworthy player as he has a selfless, galvanizing teammate. We're talking about a guy who's absorbed the wrath of no shortage of stones in making his way within spitting distance of the Saints' all-time rushing yardage record while having already toppled the touchdown record, despite an entire career of splitting carries. Yet somehow, his intangibles might just be more missed than his stats. A lot of factors - mainly the allure of money, an alarming age, and the leverage of a PED suspension - will play a role in deciding whether or not he returns to New Orleans, but it's honestly tough to envision a locker room that's bonded tighter than superglue without him in it. That's not something that can often be said of someone whose shelf life is inherently short while playing a relatively replaceable role in an NFL offense, but what's 'Zoom' without 'Boom'? The Ingram & Kamara bromance is bigger than business, and the start of it marked a massive shift in their team's trajectory. It remains to be seen how much that matters at the negotiating table, but #22 has - within reason, of course - earned the opportunity to play out the up's of high expectations after having suffered through the down's. Let's hope it works out that way, as he's easily become one of the more likable players and personalities amongst a roster that's chalked full of them.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
Archives
January 2020
|