METAIRIE, La. -- Darren Sproles had a sense from the early days of training camp that the New Orleans 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 it's 30-12 dismantling of Atlanta last weekend.
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."
Coach Sean Payton said the Saints need to find ways every game to get the ball to the 5-foot-6 Sproles, who was acquired as a free agent early in training camp when he signed a four-year, $14 million deal.
While Payton is quick to point out that there are differences between Sproles and former Saint Reggie Bush, the coach also conceded that Sproles has in many ways replaced Bush, giving the Saints a quick and elusive receiving threat out of the backfield who can be tough to take down in the open field.
"He's very smart and he makes good decisions in space and he has a great burst," Payton said. "It's up to us each week to find a way to put the ball in his hands in a similar way that we've done in the past with Reggie Bush. ... There are a lot of opportunities for us to get him on the field and get him involved."
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
