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There's no doubt that the New Orleans Saints own the most intriguing backfield in the NFL this offseason. They're running game is literally full of options. They have a pair of bruisers in Pierre Thomas and recent first rounder Mark Ingram, a second year back Christopher Ivory who filled in nicely to cover injuries, and of course Reggie Bush.

I have a feeling that this group will be worth watching all season long. Here's some of the storylines I'm planning to keep up on:

1) Reggie Bush is due $11.8 million next year, but he has already accepted that he is going to have to take a pay cut if he wants to play ball in 2011. He has never had more than 581 rushing yards in a season and his total yardage has dropped every year he's been in the league, bottoming out at 358 last year. Many see him as a lost cause and think the Saints should part ways with him, but others (including me) think he can still be an explosive player in the right role. Use him for Kick/Punt returns and as a third down and situational back and play into his talents.

2) Heisman Trophy winner and Alabama alumni Mark Ingram will make his NFL debut this season. He's in a full backfield so we don't know how much they're going to use him yet. He also comes with some injury concerns. His development will be fun to watch. Will he put any pressure on Thomas?

3) Pierre Thomas tries to bounce back from a wasted 2010 season. Thomas spent most of the year injured and after returning he only saw a full workload in one game. He managed over 100 total yards and a score in that game - encouraging, but will he be able to stay healthy this year?

4) How will the Saints use Christopher Ivory? Thomas wasn't the only Saint banged up last season. Reggie Bush also missed a lot of time. During that stretch Ivory was the guy who finally stepped up to give the team a ground game presence. It took him a little while to get there, but he put up some numbers. From a fantasy perspective, he ended the season as the highest scoring Saints RB. However, his run was short lived as he saw only 14 total carries over the last 4 games of the season. He currently sits 4th on the teams Depth Chart.

5) Will the Saints look to offload any of these guys? Let's look at best case scenario. They find a suitable and effective role for Reggie Bush and Mark Ingram excels. Do the Saints sit back and enjoy the depth or does that move Thomas or Ivory onto the trading block?

Only time will tell, but I am looking forward to watching this group to see what they make of the new season.