TallySaint

Not much here. But heck, it's the off-season....


Saints: What's to expect from Bush?
June 8, 2006

Questions, questions: All 32 NFL teams have them heading into the 2006 season. Today, we're addressing the Saints' burning question:

What's to expect from rookie Reggie Bush?

Before April's draft, it seemed to be a no-brainer that Reggie Bush would go No. 1 overall the Texans. Then bust went his future in Houston. Just like that, the Saints won the NFL version of the draft lottery.

Unless you're an NFL fan that lives on Neptune, you've probably seen how Reggie Bush plays -- in a game or, at the least, on an eye-popping, jaw-dropping, heart-stopping highlight reel.

Of course, running over, under and through top collegiate defenders has nothing on playing up to speed at the professional level. Bush has the legs, hands and head to thrive in the NFL, but don't expect all the parts to come together right away.

First, there's the issue of how he will be used. As Bush enters a backfield timeshare with Deuce McAllister, you'll see him as an outside runner and an outlet receiver; think a raw Brian Westbrook. You'll also see Reggie run as a return man; think a raw Dante Hall.

It's not just what Bush can do, it's what he represents: hope for a franchise and city that desperately need it after a difficult and forgettable '05. Expect the No. 25 replicas to fly off the shelves and for the chant of three times "Reggie" to become popular once again.

But Saints fans can't expect Bush to do it all. McAllister, Drew Brees, wide receivers Joe Horn, Donte' Stallworth and an improving offensive line are his support staff. Often, Bush will be playing off what defenses need to do to contain his talented, more experienced teammates.

See Reggie thrill. See Reggie take a spill. That goes along with any amusement park ride, and that's what Bush is, in the form of a football player.

Give Bush some time, and he won't disappoint, but it will take a while for his natural skills to develop further. With a first-year head coach in Sean Payton and a defense that doesn't inspire much confidence, the Saints have little shot to make the playoffs, as they will need to jump over the Panthers, Buccaneers and Falcons to do so.

While Bush will be worth the price of admission it's not fair to put the Saints' revitalization efforts all on him. Remember, it wasn't only because of him that Southern California succeeded in '05, and it won't be only because of him when the Saints stumble in '06.


www.sportingnews.com

My Guardian Angel wears a hard hat.

papz

What?! We aren't going to stumble in '06. There's no where to go but up. Be a little optimistic sporting news geez.

JimBone

well, it looks as though we arent going to be letting anyone down...no one expects anything from us.