Bush set for big year

08-25-2010, 03:01 PM

After struggling at the beginning of his rookie season, Reggie Bush turned it on in the second half of 2006 and helped the New Orleans Saints reach the NFC championship game.

But the next two years were mostly forgettable ones.

Knee injuries played a major role in those disappointing seasons. Unfulfilled high expectations did, too.

Bush started last season still recovering from a knee injury he suffered in 2008, and as he got healthier, he got better.

Now, Bush is prepared to start a season fully healthy for the first time since his second year in the NFL.

And strangely enough, there's not a lot of talk about the former second-overall pick.

In past years, Bush was a focal point of media attention. Could he replicate his feats from at USC? Could he ever become a full-time running back? Should he move to wide receiver? Will the Saints trade him?

This year, those questions aren't being asked.

For once, there doesn't seem to be any unrealistic expectations for Bush.

That means there is no pressure on Bush.

In his worst games, it always seemed Bush was trying to hard.

As last season wore on and less attention was cast upon Bush, he seemed to become more and more comfortable running the football.

He's always been a excellent receiver, and that continued last season.

But rushing the ball, he seemed more patient and more willing to take on a defender rather than trying to run around the defender.

Bush's explosiveness was on display in last year's run to the Super Bowl when he had 84 yards on five attempts, including a 46-yard touchdown run and an 83-yard punt return for a score against the Arizona Cardinals in the divisional playoffs.

So far, in the preseason, Bush has picked up where he left off.

Against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Bush had 49 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries. Most impressive was his four carries for 38 yards and a touchdown on the Saints opening drive.

Sure, it's just one drive in one preseason game, but it's a continuation of the way Bush ran in the second half of last season.

Again, though, if it hasn't been about the scandal during his days at USC, the spotlight hasn't been on Bush this offseason.

That's all going to change soon.

Bush is poised for his best season as a professional.

That doesn't mean he'll be a 1,000-yard rusher or score 20 touchdowns. In the Saints' offense, that isn't easy for a running back to do with how much Coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees like to spread the ball around to the many playmakers on the field.

But 700 rushing yards is attainable. And 500 receiving yards can be done. A couple punt returns for touchdowns are realistic. Even 15 total touchdowns isn't impossible.

These were the type expectations people had for Bush before his rookie year, when he was still learning how to play in the NFL, and then in subsequent years, when he spent most of his time hobbling around on one knee.

This year? Bush has learned the NFL and is healthy.

Sit back and enjoy the show.

Read the rest here...

Bush set for big year | HoumaToday.com

st thomas · 08-25-2010, 03:31 PM

WITH SO MANY WEAPON'S TO CONTROL IT WON'T SUPPRIZE ME IF THE MAN REALLY GOES OFF.

SapperSaint · 08-25-2010, 03:40 PM

he's running more north to south....and that's a good thing.

(singin) I've got....HI-A-IGH HOPES. I've got HI-A-IGH HOPES!

jnormand · 08-25-2010, 03:52 PM

I would love to see him have a great year and get re-signed. He is still one of the most exciting players to watch. I don't want him making the highlight reel for some other team next year.

SapperSaint · 08-25-2010, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by jnormand

I don't want him making the highlight reel for some other team next year.

amen to that!

foreverfan · 08-25-2010, 04:15 PM

Also don't underestimate what he does to defenses just being on the field. Most teams have to over compensate for him which leads to other getting single coverage. Brees and Payton are smart enough to make them pay for it.

Bush is the highest paid decoy to ever wear a football helmet.

saintfan · 08-25-2010, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by foreverfan

Also don't underestimate what he does to defenses just being on the field. Most teams have to over compensate for him which leads to other getting single coverage. Brees and Payton are smart enough to make them pay for it.

Bush is the highest paid decoy to ever wear a football helmet.

I think there are lots of folks that overlook this.

Is he worth the money? muah hah hah hah ...

breesfan27 · 08-25-2010, 04:52 PM

I'm excited to see what Reggie can do this year.

He's healthy and focused. And he doesn't have any distractions!!

strato · 08-25-2010, 05:42 PM

I like a big bush...lol...happy we have one...

foreverfan · 08-25-2010, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by strato

I like a big bush...lol...happy we have one...

Is this why you like Vintage pics?

08-25-2010, 03:01 PM	#1
Threaded by papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,754 Rating: (0 votes - average) After struggling at the beginning of his rookie season, Reggie Bush turned it on in the second half of 2006 and helped the New Orleans Saints reach the NFC championship game. But the next two years were mostly forgettable ones. Knee injuries played a major role in those disappointing seasons. Unfulfilled high expectations did, too. Bush started last season still recovering from a knee injury he suffered in 2008, and as he got healthier, he got better. Now, Bush is prepared to start a season fully healthy for the first time since his second year in the NFL. And strangely enough, there's not a lot of talk about the former second-overall pick. In past years, Bush was a focal point of media attention. Could he replicate his feats from at USC? Could he ever become a full-time running back? Should he move to wide receiver? Will the Saints trade him? This year, those questions aren't being asked. For once, there doesn't seem to be any unrealistic expectations for Bush. That means there is no pressure on Bush. In his worst games, it always seemed Bush was trying to hard. As last season wore on and less attention was cast upon Bush, he seemed to become more and more comfortable running the football. He's always been a excellent receiver, and that continued last season. But rushing the ball, he seemed more patient and more willing to take on a defender rather than trying to run around the defender. Bush's explosiveness was on display in last year's run to the Super Bowl when he had 84 yards on five attempts, including a 46-yard touchdown run and an 83-yard punt return for a score against the Arizona Cardinals in the divisional playoffs. So far, in the preseason, Bush has picked up where he left off. Against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Bush had 49 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries. Most impressive was his four carries for 38 yards and a touchdown on the Saints opening drive. Sure, it's just one drive in one preseason game, but it's a continuation of the way Bush ran in the second half of last season. Again, though, if it hasn't been about the scandal during his days at USC, the spotlight hasn't been on Bush this offseason. That's all going to change soon. Bush is poised for his best season as a professional. That doesn't mean he'll be a 1,000-yard rusher or score 20 touchdowns. In the Saints' offense, that isn't easy for a running back to do with how much Coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees like to spread the ball around to the many playmakers on the field. But 700 rushing yards is attainable. And 500 receiving yards can be done. A couple punt returns for touchdowns are realistic. Even 15 total touchdowns isn't impossible. These were the type expectations people had for Bush before his rookie year, when he was still learning how to play in the NFL, and then in subsequent years, when he spent most of his time hobbling around on one knee. This year? Bush has learned the NFL and is healthy. Sit back and enjoy the show. Read the rest here... Bush set for big year \| HoumaToday.com Last edited by papz; 12-24-2011 at 07:47 PM..
Views: 2092

08-25-2010, 03:54 PM	#5
SapperSaint Pink Nightmare Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 3,028 Blog Entries: 7	Originally Posted by jnormand I don't want him making the highlight reel for some other team next year. amen to that!

08-25-2010, 04:49 PM	#7
saintfan Donated Plasma Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 18,556 Blog Entries: 5	Originally Posted by foreverfan Also don't underestimate what he does to defenses just being on the field. Most teams have to over compensate for him which leads to other getting single coverage. Brees and Payton are smart enough to make them pay for it. Bush is the highest paid decoy to ever wear a football helmet. I think there are lots of folks that overlook this. Is he worth the money? muah hah hah hah ...

08-25-2010, 05:48 PM	#10
foreverfan 12,000 BS Posts Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metairie, LA Posts: 13,457 Blog Entries: 5	Originally Posted by strato I like a big bush...lol...happy we have one... Is this why you like Vintage pics?

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08-25-2010, 03:31 PM	#2
st thomas Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: lafayette Posts: 7,753	WITH SO MANY WEAPON'S TO CONTROL IT WON'T SUPPRIZE ME IF THE MAN REALLY GOES OFF.

08-25-2010, 03:40 PM	#3
SapperSaint Pink Nightmare Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 3,028 Blog Entries: 7	he's running more north to south....and that's a good thing. (singin) I've got....HI-A-IGH HOPES. I've got HI-A-IGH HOPES!

08-25-2010, 03:52 PM	#4
jnormand 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: The Free State of Idaho Posts: 5,687	I would love to see him have a great year and get re-signed. He is still one of the most exciting players to watch. I don't want him making the highlight reel for some other team next year.

08-25-2010, 04:15 PM	#6
foreverfan 12,000 BS Posts Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metairie, LA Posts: 13,457 Blog Entries: 5	Also don't underestimate what he does to defenses just being on the field. Most teams have to over compensate for him which leads to other getting single coverage. Brees and Payton are smart enough to make them pay for it. Bush is the highest paid decoy to ever wear a football helmet.

08-25-2010, 04:52 PM	#8
breesfan27 Mrs. Drew Brees Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The Who Dat Nation (by way of South Dakota) Posts: 2,276 Blog Entries: 1	I'm excited to see what Reggie can do this year. He's healthy and focused. And he doesn't have any distractions!!

08-25-2010, 05:42 PM	#9
strato Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: "Little Ole Town in Tejas" Posts: 7,586	I like a big bush...lol...happy we have one...