Saints Slam the Rams: The Good, Bad, and FANTASTIC
By Bob Rose
Nov 27, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) runs with the ball in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 49-21. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
THE GOOD: THE SAINTS RUNNING GAME
We told you in this morning’s Game Day prep that it was important for the Saints to have a balanced attack today, but not to expect a high yards per carry from either mark Ingram or Tim Hightower.
The reason for this was because of the Rams formidable front seven, and the elite LA defense that was highlighted in numerous pieces done by the Big Easy Believer all week long.
New Orleans definitely had a balanced game plan, finishing with 32 rush attempts against 38 passes, but the result was an impressive 209 yards on the ground.
Mark Ingram in particular had his second All-Pro caliber game of the season, finishing with 146 yards on only 14 carries with a touchdown, and adding a 21 yard reception for a second TD on the day.
This running game has shown over the last six weeks that it doesn’t just produce based off certain match ups; but is capable of running the ball against any defensive front.
Part of the reason for this is not just the fine performances from Ingram and Tim Hightower; but magnificent efforts from the offensive line.
Even with left tackle Terron Armstead once again leaving a game early due to injury, the O-Line all but neutralized what is probably the best interior defensive line in football.