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More NFL teams are splitting the carries between ballcarriers, like the Saints do with Bush and McAllister.

By Mark Gokavi
Staff Writer

CINCINNATI — Running back tandems in the NFL are back. And few teams can match New Orleans' combination of Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush.

"Oh, man, it's awesome," Saints quarterback Drew Brees said after Thursday morning's practice with the Bengals outside Paul Brown Stadium. "I think each one has some great strengths that makes them the best at what they do. It's fun to be able to have that 1-2 punch."

There are still one-horse NFL teams — like the Bengals. In 2006, Rudi Johnson ran for 1,309 yards on 341 carries — 80 percent of Cincinnati's rushing yards and 78 percent of the attempts.

"The biggest thing is this is a long season," said McAllister, who rushed for 1,057 yards on 244 carries in 2006. "Once that latter part of the season comes, you want to be as fresh as possible to make that run as far as the playoffs is concerned."

Bush, a rookie last season, added 565 rushing yards and 742 receiving yards on 88 catches.

"I think times have kind of changed, and people are leaning more toward the two backs because of one back taking a beating for 16-plus games, it can be a little rough on one's body," Bush said. "I'd love to be a starting running back getting 20 to 25 carries a game and maybe even more, but at the same time, we're making this work right now."

Saints coach Sean Payton called Bush "a guy you want to make sure touches the ball 15 times a game and he can give you some punt-return ability as well."

The Bengals saw Bush's versatility during last season's game, when he had 51 rushing yards and 58 receiving yards.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Bush "presents difficulties with his athleticism, his ability to catch the football, to run the football and all the great things he can do with the football."

The Bengals tried to get Johnson similar help. They spent the 26th overall pick in 2004 on Chris Perry, who has battled a sports hernia plus ankle and knee issues.

In 2005, Perry did run for 279 yards with 51 catches for 328 yards. Not Bush-like, but good. In April's draft, the Bengals chose Kenny Irons in the second round. But the Auburn running back is out for the year after suffering a torn left ACL in the preseason opener against Detroit.

Kenny Watson (138 rushing yards, 213 receiving in 2006) is a serviceable backup, but he and Quincy Wilson don't make defenses adjust.

McAllister, the Saints all-time leading rusher, had workhorse years in 2002 (325 carries, 1,388 yards) and 2003 (351 for 1,641). He appreciates Johnson's efforts, but says glory is achieved in the playoffs.

"He wants all the touches he can get because that's going to help you get into those postseason awards," McAllister said. "But I'm sure his main goal is to win a Super Bowl."

Backup rushers

In 2006, NFL teams' second-leading rushers averaged 429 yards. The Bengals were dead-last in the AFC and 31st overall as Kenny Watson had 138 yards rushing behind Rudi Johnson (1,309). Only the Arizona Cardinals (Matt Leinart's 49 yards) had a lower total for a second-leading rusher. New Orleans got 565 rushing yards (plus 88 catches for 742 yards) from Reggie Bush behind Deuce McAllister's 1,057 rushing yards.

Even running backs need some help

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