Is Time Ripe for Reggie Bush?
 

Sean Payton, the New Orleans coach, said Reggie Bush is in terrific shape. Remember Bush in college and what a dominant runner he was for Southern Cal? He was in great shape then, too.

Bush has had exactly one 100-yard rushing game in his four-year career. I think it's time for more.

You should never suggest that the New Orleans Saints take the air out of the football and run the rock for a change. It doesn't make sense does it to have Drew Brees and then ask him to turn and hand the ball or pitch the ball?

But wouldn't the run game help a defense that might sag this season? Why not some rock 'em, sock 'em? The defense has been thinned out by some injuries.
They have three top-shelf players in the middle of the offensive line: center Jonathan Goodwin and guards Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans. They pass pro very well, but what about running Bush up in there and playing some Monopoly? Hold the ball.

I was looking at a stat. Opponents averaged 65 plays a game against the Saints last season. That's too many. Some of that has to do with New Orleans scoring fast and giving the ball back.

The NFL is a passing league. I get that.

But there is nothing that helps a defense under siege like an offense that can control the ball and methodically move it down the field and finish in the red zone.

Considering all the stuff swirling around Bush with Southern Cal in trouble and the possibility his Heisman will be stripped, he might relish a chance to be a feature back and roll up some yards for a change. Right now, he looks like a finesse back. What else is there?

I think Reggie is poised to have a career year this year. Sit back and strap yourself in your chair it is not going to be anything nice for our opponents!

Dam dblbogey

I with you DblBogey. The way I saw Reggie run in the playoffs last year, and the way I've seen him run in the preseason this year, I really think he's due for a breakout year. If he can pull it off, it would mean the Saints get EVEN BETTER. How awesome would that be?

Two Dat!!

Every year the same question...

he was having a great year last year, IMO. i used to be the most anti bush person you know, i jumped on his bandwagon last year and i love it

Agreed, on both "points".

Bush will be a beast this year. He's healthier than he's ever been. Like DR said, if he continues like he did the last third of the season and into the playoffs, it is possible he could have a HOF season this year.

I agree. Every year the same thing is said. Bush will be a beast this year.Or he will have a great year. And he does the same thing. Has flashes of greatness but overall is just average. He was what he was in college. He is just simply not that in the pros. He does however work in well with our offense approach. That is why he is still around.

The problem with Bush is he isn't physically built to be a power back up the middle. He has bad knees and I just don't know if they'll hold up to a full season of pounding. Remember how Payton really babied him along through preseason and well into the regular season? I would love to see him have a great year but I don't expect Payton to put him in too many compromising positions. I anticipate more of the same as the end of last year. Lot's of creative packages to showcase his talents.