New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush hasn't exactly lit the league on fire his first two season in the NFL. In fact I'm sure he's found it much harder running past every member of the opposing defense than he did in college. However because of this is he a bust? If you ask this Saints fan would I have still taken Bush over Mario Williams in the 2006 NFL Draft I'd say yes.
For all intents and purposes Bush is a very important part of what the Saints are able to do with it's high powered offense. In his rookie season he showed just how dangerous he is when he's given space and open field to work with. He may not be a between the tackles runner but how many people can honestly say that coming out of college they thought he would be? As the saying goes though, success breeds contempt. With all the success Reggie had while a member of the USC Trojans he was an easy target to hate on.
Reggie is going into his third season as a member of the Saints organization. It's easy to say that we'll see much more of the same from him. Unwilling to try and run between tackles for the tough yards and always looking to turn the corner. We could say a multitude of things but the one thing we all seem to refuse to say or forget is he's still young and learning.
I remember a QB by the name of Peyton Manning who was thought highly of coming out of college. I also remember that same young man make so many mistakes his first few seasons. However Manning has grown into a top flight QB in this league and possibly before his career is over one of the greatest of all time.
Now that's not to say Bush will be of the same caliber as a Barry Sanders or Emmitt Smith. It's saying give the man some time to develop more. I'm sure he's working hard every year to be the best he can be at his position. He's certainly tougher than anyone who is not a fan of his will give him credit for.
This off season Bush has rededicated himself to his team and being a better RB when called upon to do so. He decided to stay in New Orleans with the team and train rather than be in Cali with all the distraction that's sure to come with it. After all Reggie is a celebrity and well respected in Cali. Then there's his girlfriend Kim and God knows it's a task keeping up with that Kardashian.
All in all I expect to see a much improved Reggie Bush this 2008 season. One who'll know when to run between the tackles and when to go towards the outside and turn the corner. I also fully expect him to continue to be a vital part of the passing attack. Most of all I expect him to continue to grow and help the Saints find that same "mojo" that brought them all the way to the NFC championship game just two years ago.
Very very interesting question, gambit. However, I would not go so far to say he's a bust. A weak offensive line has been part of the reason this young man has not gotten on track, Deuce Macalister is still a viable option in the grand scheme and Bush is still a young cat still learning the NFL. Yes, Adrian Petersen came on the scene and tore things up, but he has a better offensive line and is a different type of runner than Bush - so not yet on the bust theory. But Reggie is on a shorter tether. He better make a splash this year, or that label will stick and start to germinate in his mind!
I agree with the cudaguy...........We haven't seen the best of Reggie yet. But you Saints fans should hope that he has his break out season soon like this year soon.
I know how impatient fans can become.........I live in the NY/Phil metropolitan area.
Texascuda,
Exactly what I am thinking. Not everyone who is great in college will come out it's first two years and dominate or even do well. Some players take longer to develop. Yeah that other guy you are talking about, I had a funny feeling he'd not be much of anything. However I'll hold of judgment on him as well for another year or two.
broblog,
I'm not so sure I'd say the offensive line is weak. Actually they are pretty good in my opinion. Look at what deuce has been able to do. Now they started of slow last season but after a few games they played relatively well. Brees is one of the least sacked QB 's in the league.
It's more that Reggie needs more time to develop. That's what I was getting at with this post. Lots of fans want to call him a bust in just two seasons. That ridiculous in my opinion to make that assumption. Although I do agree with you that if he doesn't get his head together and #### in gear, It'll be a long tough road from hear on out.
evilquacks,
Saints fans aren't as bad as N.Y. and Philly fans but we do have our own way of dealing with players who show nothing. Gris-Gris are real dude trust me.
Say why don't you guys join my fantasy football league for fox sports bloggers? The info and link is on an earlier post before this. I'm looking for at least 5 more players but hope to get 7 before July 17th.
I'd say give Reggie a couple more seasons to determine if he's a bust. He was best when Deuce McAllister was healthy. At least he's been dedicated to making himself a better player this offseason.
I'll give Bush the benefit of the doubt moreso than Matt Leinart. Here's why: 1) dedication; 2) Leinart seems to have regressed; 3) Those pesky Internet pics of Leinart partying. If I were Ken Whisenhunt, I'd have pulled Leinart aside and firmly asked him, "Do you want to be a great QB? Be honest with me and don't waste my time developing you."
I agree with cuda, Leinart is becoming more and more like Ryan Leaf, in terms of ability and attitude. I think all that $$$$$ got to his head.
gambitxxx
I can understand Reggie's problem at this juncture. Some might say it's an enviable one to be in. He's got money , acclaim and though not necessarily a hot chick, it's almost the next best thing. But it'd help if he thought with the head that's above his shoulders rather than with the one between his legs.
Somehow I for one feel that'd equate in part to even greater success for the Saints.
I dont think the Manning to Bush comparisons are valid as the easiest skill position to step in and play is the running back, and the quarterback is by far the hardest to adjust to. Having said that I dont think you can call Reggie a bust, I thought his rookie season was a solid one, but I think last year was pretty horrible, but I think the whole team was a mess. If Reggie put in the work this offseason I think he is capable of some good things, and I am sorry I do think if he works on his getting to the hole he could be a decent between the tackles runner... Why? Because Maurice Jones Drew has done it, and no one thought he would be good enough in the pros coming out of UCLA he was a smaller version of Reggie Bush just a little slower, and for all intensive purposes has been a better pro thus far. I think that may change this year however.
Bush a bust? Not yet,then again he is not even the best running back on his team. With a healthy Deuce to soften up the defense,Reggie's productivity will increase. Not good news for my Bucs.
I think Bush is a useful pro, just not in the traditional sense. He never will be an every down running back, but he could be a once in a generation 3rd down back. Also, I would like to see them line him up in the slot. He was leading the NFL in receptions his rookie season at one point he certainly coulf catch 80 or so passes with screen passes, slants, hooks, ect. I see most of his value as a receiver just not as a RB.
I think Reggie is a great player, so long as he is used in areas where his skills can be accentuated. Two seasons ago the Saints came out of nowhere with Drew Brees and Bush along with Payton's schemes coupled with a healthy Deuce. Defenses had to respect Reggie's capabilities and be wary of Drew and Deuce... The wheels came off last year when they were forced to switch Reggie to a feature back with McAllister going down... I think they all learned a lot from last year's debacle and the proof of that is witnessed in their late season turn around.
Barring any new injuries to the Saints' quartet of weapons (Colston included), this team could be super scary on offense...
Reggie is what he is. I don't think the Saints had any illusions about him being an every down back, but his playmaking ability made him perfect to complement Deuce. People expect every top 10 pick to be a future Hall of Famer, and thats just not the case. Every team has roles that need to be filled, and the Saints did a fine job in picking Bush. Plus, now they get to have Kim Kardashian at their team functions and in the crowd at games....WOWEEWOW WOW She's hot.
jon,
Exactly! You've said exactly what I mean, just is not so many words.
justan',
I happen to think Kim is hot only problem is she's a ####. Lot's of junk in her trunk also...I love that much about her.
banme,
Love the screen name. I wasn't rying to make it seem that playing RB is as hard as playing the QB position. What I was trying to show is that we as fans and media alike always expect high profile players coming out of college to just take the world by storm. Neither Peyton nor Bush had done that and they may be the two most hyped players when they were drafted.
aero,
Deuce is/was a monster and hopefully will be agin this season.
pats,
I think the Saints should put him in the slot more often as well.He'll atleast be a distraction that way.
Dwwindy,
I sure hope the coaching staff learned a lesson. Last season when Duece went down I thought they could have used Pierre Thomas more and used Bush like they had been all along. It would have worked instead of using Bush in a 1 back setting.
SRM,
You are rght Bush is what he is and that's a very gifted athlete blessed with speed and moves that'll make a defender break his ankle trying to tackle him. That's what I was saying thx for getting the point. Not every top ten draft pick can or will be a HOF or instant success.
Kim has a nice butt doesn't she? Had the opportunity to meet her during the NBA All-str break for a charity event thrown by Bush and Shaq. Man I'd smash it just because. Ok I better stop there befor this becomes an XXX rated blog.
How can Reggie deal with the fact that there is a sex tape out on her with Ray J? Maybe I am just too jealous or whatever, but I could not deal with that. And yes, I would smash too.
I wouldn't say he is a bust....not many rookies make a splash in the NFL. It takes 3-4 years to really get your stride. Give him this year and next to mature. He'll be fine...he's got too much talent to be wasted. The dude has moves!
SRM,
Have you seen the tape? I couldn't handle it that's for sure.
Lisa,
I agree 100% with that. He isn't the every down back but has so much up side it's pathetic. I like the young man both as a player and a person. Dude has done some good around this city and is well liked in the community.
There are a couple of reasons that Bush is being considered a bust by some.
Going into the draft he was the consensus #1 selection. It was said that he was going to revolutionize the game. He wasn't even the top player at his position, and he didn't revolutuionize the game, being quite average.
Bush and Mario Williams will always be connected. Now that Williams is starting to play at a high level and Bush is not the franchise player everyone thought, doubt about selecting him at #2 are creeping in.
Bush is a good 3rd down RB and a nice change up to backup McAllister. He will never be the franchise player that everyone was predicting coming out of college. He will never be the #1 RB to carry the load. Players selected with the 2nd overall pick are supposed to carry the load, especially at the RB position. Looking at it this way, Bush is a bust.
You say Bush is working to become better, but will he ever justify being selected #2. I don't think so. Time will tell.
QCisco,
I respectfully have to disagree with you on some of what you say. I never heard anyone say Bush would revolutionize the game. Also if that was said then that person or persons need to find a new job. Being an NFL expert isn't working out well for them it would seem.
Who's doubting that pick? certainly not me.
Now I can agree he is a nice change of pace and a good 3rd down back. Although why because he was second overall he must carry the load is beyond me. He does and has done as a rookie what I expected. Last year was a disappointment but I'll hold judgement on wheather he's a bust for atleast 2 more years.
jesus...thanks for the video. Honestly, I started tearing up towards the end. Sounds lame, but I'm not kidding. My impression of Reggie is that he's like a greyhound in a cage, who gets really frustrated when he can't run around. I was at that game where he returned the punt for his first TD, and you could just feel the crowd say "At least THAT'S over". Everyone was foaming at the mouth. The guy follows blocks like no one I can think of right now (mainly because I just watched the video). GEEZ the season needs to start right now...
Oh and thanks for the pic of Kim...it will be my desktop picture for exactly 5 seconds until my boss comes by...
Plutonium,
Glad to have helped but we can't have people seeing you cry at work now can we. He's very good in open feild and with space to run. Also you are right when guys get out to the second and third level to block there is no stopping him then. Yes the season needs to start already the drought is killing me.
No prob about the pic of Kim but if you get canned at work it's not my fault nor will I pay your bills after. lol!
The perfect breakfast as I see it.
You’re sitting at the table and your son is on the cover of Wheaties, your mistress is on the cover of Playboy, and your wife is on the back of the milk carton.
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