METAIRIE (AP) — Darren Sproles had a sense from the early days of training camp that the Saints’ offense would tap into his strengths as a small but speedy running back.
“When I got into practice and I started doing the stuff they wanted me to do, I was like, ‘Man, this is going to be a great spot for me,'” Sproles said Thursday. “It was fun, and when you’re having fun, that’s when you’re at your best, really.”
His stellar regular season debut with New Orleans last week left little doubt about how well he’d fit in after he racked up 250 total yards against Green Bay.
Now, however, the Saints may need just as impressive an encore performance this Sunday, when New Orleans plays its home opener against a Chicago Bears team that once again looks impressive on defense after its 30-12 dismantling of Atlanta last weekend.
Although the Saints did a lot of good things in their 42-34 loss to Green Bay, none of them will be having much fun if they fall to 0-2.
Drew Brees sees no reason why Sproles won’t consistently give opponents fits. In fact, the mere mention of Sproles’ name caused the Saints quarterback to smile.
“I’m smiling because I know Sprolesie. I was in San Diego when we drafted him, I watched his career, so I know what this guy can do,” Brees said. “I was one of his biggest proponents to come here and be a part of this, because I think he fits in great with this offense. I see his role continuing to flourish in this offense. Is he going to return a punt for a touchdown every week? Maybe not, but gosh you feel like if you can get that guy in the open field, he makes it exciting. He gives defenses something to worry about.”
Sproles, who has been a special teams standout throughout his career with San Diego, once again shined in that role when the Saints visited Green Bay. He had 92 yards on punt returns, including a 72-yard TD and 76 yards on kick returns.
 
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