METAIRIE (AP) — Chris Ivory doesn't know why he didn't get his first chance to carry the ball until the eighth game of the
season.
The Saints running back figured the best thing he could do during the first seven weeks of the season was simply stay sharp
and focused, so that he could be relied upon when his number finally was called.
"I still don't get it. I just played the
patient role," Ivory said on Wednesday after logging 10 carries for 48
yards — nearly
5 yards a carry — including a 22-yard touchdown in New Orleans
28-13 victory over Philadelphia on Monday night. "It was hard
to be patient but, you know, I was. ... When they needed to count
on me, I was accountable. The focus was definitely there,
and like I said, once they called my number I was ready to go."
Although the bruising 6-foot, 222-pounder
made major contributions against the Eagles, Ivory cannot be sure he'll
have a more
consistent role in the offense. One reason he saw more action last
week was because Darren Sproles was out with a broken bone
in his left hand. Sproles did not practice Wednesday and could be
out again this week, but the Saints are deep at running
back, with Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram also in the mix.
In recent seasons, New Orleans coaches said they believed they could never have too many good running backs because one of
more of them inevitably would be too banged up to play every week, but that was not the case during the first seven weeks
of this season, leaving Ivory fourth on the depth chart.
"I feel like it's more the situation with the backs here and them trying to divvy up carries with all the guys," Ivory said.
"I don't think it has anything to do with my talent or if you want to say lack of talent, maybe. I don't think that's what
it is. If they keep calling my number, I'm going to be ready."
Saints coaches never indicated any loss of
confidence in Ivory, simply stating that they believed Thomas, Sproles
and Ingram
were the three running backs performing the best early in the
season. However, the ground game was rarely a prominent part
of New Orleans' offense during the first seven games, only once
accounting for more than 100 yards and four times accounting
for fewer than 60 yards.
With Ivory in the lineup against Philadelphia, New Orleans rushed for 140 yards, its second-highest team total this season.
And it's not like Ivory came out of nowhere. He was New Orleans' leading rusher as an undrafted rookie in 2010 (716 yards,
5 TDs), when he was pressed into service because of injuries to Thomas and Reggie Bush.
"We know what Chris Ivory can do. He is one
of those backs that can combine power and speed and elusiveness," Saints
assistant
head coach Joe Vitt said. "He is doing a better job with ball
security. He understands our run game. He understands some pre-snap
reads now. So we like Chris. It was good to get him back involved
and we are excited for him."
Atlanta coach Mike Smith, whose team meets
New Orleans in the Superdome on Sunday, said Ivory's recent performance
speaks
more to New Orleans' depth at running back than any fault with the
Saints coaching staff not giving the third-year pro a chance
this season until Monday.
"They are going to run the football by committee. I think if Darren (Sproles) doesn't play, they still have three outstanding
running backs that can run the football," Smith said. "When you get the running game going, everyone knows that bodes well
for the quarterback because it opens up opportunities to throw the ball down the field."
Not surprisingly, Saints quarterback Drew Brees had plenty to say about Ivory's re-emergence.
"It's impressive. We have a good problem
(which) is we have all these backs," Brees said. Ivory "adds a very
physical component.
You see his size and he's an extremely powerful running back. I
think you saw his explosiveness and ability on that (touchdown)
run, his ability to hit that hole and then be by the safety. He's a
rare combination of speed and power."
NOTES: In addition to Sproles, RT Zach Streif (left groin), DE Junior Gallette (left ankle), and WR-KR Courtney Roby (left
shoulder) also missed Wednesday's practice. ... The Saints usually keep practice indoors when preparing for a game in the
Superdome, where they play the Flacons this Sunday, but chose on Wednesday to practice outside in cool, sunny weather. ...
New Orleans signed CB A.J. Davis to their practice squad and waived practice squad CB Nick Hixson.