If you don't know what these are about, please see previous thread re: Leinart and Lewis.

#3 Reggie Bush. What should we expect in 2008? And in the future?

I expect the thinking on Bush to be all over the place. He came into the league with high expectations and so far has probably been a bit of a disappointment - at least as a runner.

His role in the running game in 2007 mirrored that of 2006. He caught fewer passes (though 73 is still plenty respectable from a running back) and saw his yardage totals drop by quite a bit.

The question here is whether or not he will ever be the superstar he was expected to be when he came into the NFL. Or has he established the type of role with the Saints that he is going to have and remain a consistent multi-faceted back.

I actually think the jury is still out on Bush for the following reasons.

The first half of his rookie year, Bush didn't quite get it and seemed like he was trying to create a highlight reel every time he touched the ball. He definitely started off pretty slow.

The second half of his rookie year was nothing short of exceptional. It was these 8-9 games that shows what he is capable of IF USED CORRECTLY. Which brings me to 2007.

The entire Saints offense started off horribly in 2007 and a big reason was the O-line (for reasons unknown to me, to be honest). They couldn't pass protect and they couldn't run block and this affected not only Bush but also Brees, Colston and the entire Saint's offense. Then, Deuce got hurt and was out for the year. While the O-line improved dramatically around this time, Bush was now being called upon to be the main guy.

Now, here is my issue with how he was used. There is no question that Bush simply didn't look good carrying the ball in 2007 after Deuce went down. The thing is, the play calling just wasn't very good and they were asking him to run the ball inside A LOT, which is really something he's never had to do his entire career (both in college and his rookie year). I just don't think he had enough experience running that way in order to succeed. I think one of the following is going to happen with Bush.

1. They continue to use him as the main guy and ask him to be an inside runner and he fails to learn to do so.
2. They continue to use him as the main guy and ask him to be an inside runner and he improves significantly and succeeds.
3. They continue to use him as the main guys but alter the types of running plays and use him more like Westbrook or Tiki Barber.
4. They use him in tandem with another RB like they did with Deuce in 2006.


I'm not confident #2 above can happen. It's possible as I really think he has limited experience being an inside runner and maybe he still can learn how...I just wouldn't hold my breath. I hope as a Saints fan that #1 doesn't happen because I think it's just not using him properly, especially if he just doesn't "get it". I could easily see #3 happen and think he would be quite successful if used that way. I don't know if he's as good as Westbrook could be, but I wouldn't be surprised at all. This is where it's the coaching staff's responsibility to use the talents that they have. As for #4, I think this is probably what we will see and what I would hope for as well. The way he and Deuce were used in 2006 was genius and he was very successful in that role. He could be a fantasy force like he was in the 2nd half of 2006 even if used in combination with another RB. It's not that he has to be the #2 guy, he could be 1a and 1b with someone else that is better suited to inside running while he is used more in space to better suit his ability.

Either way, I think this year will be very telling as to his future both in terms of what he's learned in the offseason and how the Saint's plan on using him. I wouldn't feel comfortable with him as a #1, esp. in non-ppr, at this point, but his upside is tremendous (a la Westbrook) as evidenced by his 2nd half of 2006. Small sample size, for sure, but is somewhat indicative of what's possible.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: gianmarco,

I'm starting to accept that are few one RB systems in the NFL. I think there will be fewer in the future. Bush is an excellant RB at what he does. Such as running outside and pass receiving. I don't think he will ever be an inside the tackle type runner and as long as New Orleans carries a RB who can fill that need Bush will be fine.

Gone are the days of Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, et al. It's the time of RBBC. Of course there will always be a special talent in the NFL who will carry the full load but we'll see that less often.

Saying all of that and seems lots of teams are doing the same thing Bush is a good RB. He will never be a "stud" as we think of that word but he will be a mid to lower end #1. As long as whatever team he is on plays it smart and has that inside runner to take that part of the load.

Spotty sums it up for me on Bush.

Excellent open field runner but goes down with a slight breeze. He'll never live up to the hype but will continue to get it with some excellent highlight reels making him another overrated RB.

quote:

Originally posted by Sportz Genius:
Spotty sums it up for me on Bush.

Excellent open field runner but goes down with a slight breeze. He'll never live up to the hype but will continue to get it with some excellent highlight reels making him another overrated RB.

I tend to agree with SG on Bush.

He can't be "the main guy" in an NFL offense and not run between the tackles. Westbrook isn't and Barber wasn't a specialist or role player, they ran every play in the playbook...including inside runs. What they did well was bouncing it outside or cutting back once they made it past the line...and that often means breaking at least one arm tackle...something Bush, and McFadden, BTW, don't seem to do that often.

My concern about the smaller, fast guys who don't break tackles is that they get pigeon-holed into a certain role within the RBBC (off-tackle, screens, sweeps, etc.). The offense then can actually become very predictable to the defense based upon personnel packages which in turn means less production per touch for those players.