Is Reggie Bush a bust? (1 Viewer)

[Louisville Slugger]

For all the hype that surrounded Reggie Bush when he came out of college he has been a major disappointment if not an out an out bust to this point.

In retrospect maybe Houston knew something when they passed on him with the number one pick in the draft. If you could magicially put Bush back in the draft would he even be a top ten choice? Could he fall out of the first round? Don't get me wrong he has been a contributor at the NFL level and I respect his unique skill set but he is never going to be a true impact player... In fantasy Bush is never going to be more than a #3/flex play at best.

Am I missing something as far as this player is concerned? I just don't see why he deserves all the media attention that he gets. In no way is he an elite offensive weapon. Better than avg player yes, but not elite.

 

[cvnpoka]

Am I missing something

seems you are missing the 6978359823496 threads that have already beaten this topic to death.

 

[leave a whisper]

he is only relevant when he is cheating or throat poking a kardashian.

(or if you're in one of those ppr leagues that make average NFL players valuable)

 

[habsfan]

Fantasy wise, on a PPG basis, he's been great. It's the number of games that's the issue. Generally when he's gotten hurt he's been shut down so you can plug someone else in. I have no complaints.

 

[Voodoo Rage]

He's absolutely a bust in the NFL based on his draft position but as you said, he a pretty decent #3RB to have on a PPR roster. I would consider last year to be as low as his value is going to get due to a crowded backfield and injury recuperation. I think last night is a pretty good indication of his floor this year, 5 catches and a few carries; still giving some significant fantasy points. As a #3 RB that's not bad or if you decided to stack heavy on other positions on your roster he may even be a #2 for you which I don't think is so bad either. In a PPR league, I'd much rather be a position to have to start Bush who will still get some receptions over many other guys like Cadillac Williams or Clinton Portis who may actually have "good" games rushing for like 80 yards but for considerably less fantasy points.

 

[moderated]

If he was thrown back i to the draft i think some team would spend a 2nd round pick on him (at a 2nd round salary).

No way he would go in the top 10.

 

[Avery]

he is only relevant when he is cheating or throat poking a kardashian.(or if you're in one of those ppr leagues that make average NFL players valuable)

There is so much terrible on so many levels in this post I'm at a loss where to start.

 

[tsarc888]

in the last 5 years or so, couldn't you say all USC NFL players have been busts relative to their draft position?

 

[Cassius]

Absolutely a bust at #2 overall. I think he's useful enough to justify a very late 1st/early 2nd NFL pick though, so not a complete waste.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Reggie would look great on the Rams with SJax

 

[Gadabout]

Ryan Leaf was a bust.

Reggie Bush is not a bust.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

For all the hype that surrounded Reggie Bush when he came out of college he has been a major disappointment if not an out an out bust to this point.

In retrospect maybe Houston knew something when they passed on him with the number one pick in the draft. If you could magicially put Bush back in the draft would he even be a top ten choice? Could he fall out of the first round? Don't get me wrong he has been a contributor at the NFL level and I respect his unique skill set but he is never going to be a true impact player... In fantasy Bush is never going to be more than a #3/flex play at best.

Am I missing something as far as this player is concerned? I just don't see why he deserves all the media attention that he gets. In no way is he an elite offensive weapon. Better than avg player yes, but not elite.

"He is mever going to be an impact player."Ok.

NFC Championship: he catches a 90 yard pass over the top and races untouched for a TD that draws the Saints within a score of going to the Super Bowl. From on the 10 in hostile territory to almost to the Big Game in one fell swoop. How many RB's can legitimately be put into the WR position out wide or inside with a threat to score from anywhere such that a defense always has to account for them?

2008 vs the Vikes: 2 TD's on punt returns, almost a 3rd except he trips. How many NFL players can it legitimately be said about them that they can do that, on any given day? How many are RB's? How many teams can say they can go into a game with almost no likelihood the opponent will send an all out rush to block their punter.

Cut to the 2010 NFL Season opener: again and again in the second half as Pierre Thomas was sent through off tackle how many times did Reggie Bush come around the back of the line drawing 1-2 players of the defense to cover the possible end around?

The man is no Peterson. He's no Chris Johnson, but then Chris Johnson was not drafted in the 2nd pick either.

But he had an impact on the Saints the day he was drafted and he has had an impact through and including in their NFL Championship. If you knew your home team might not win a championship without a certain player, would you go back in time and reinvest whatever draft pick to get him in the first place?

The NFL drafts are littered with true "busts" - from 1967-1985 the Saints literally had maybe 5-6 1st round picks who were not busts. In fact maybe the only 1st round pick better for the Saints in their whole entire history might have been Willie Roaf, and that is the literal truth. Examine your own home team's history and see what you come up with.

Reggie Bush is no bust.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft...ype=roundbyteam

 

[chook]

He played a part in them winning a Superbowl. May not have set the world on fire the way he was hyped, but I think Saints fans are happy.

 

[Breesisdaman]

:facepalm; not this #### again

All 32 teams would give their left nut for Bush in addition to paying the $$$$ he makes. He does everything he needs to do for the Saints. Are shut down corners busts just because their skillset doesnt earn fantasy points? Bush catches and runs well and makes guys miss in the open field, he started last season to run through tackles instead of around. And he always must be accounted for by defenses beacause he is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches it. You can see that by one play in particular that was run Thursday night where PT and Bush were both possibly getting the hand off, Bush was approaching Brees from the WR position and PT from the tailback position. The Ball went to PT straight ahead for a decent gain but quite a few Vikings were following Bush. Thats just one play off the top of my head that he got zero fantasy points for but helped the team.He can never be out of their sight and that opens a whole lot of stuff up for other players on the team. Pierre Thomas is a great back but he is a normal type running back, Chris Ivory may one day suplant PT on the Saints but there is no one with Bush's skill set waiting in the wings. Sean Payton is well aware of that too as is Micky Loomis.

 

[Steelfan7]

:facepalm; not this #### again

All 32 teams would give their left nut for Bush in addition to paying the $$$$ he makes. He does everything he needs to do for the Saints. Are shut down corners busts just because their skillset doesnt earn fantasy points? Bush catches and runs well and makes guys miss in the open field, he started last season to run through tackles instead of around. And he always must be accounted for by defenses beacause he is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches it. You can see that by one play in particular that was run Thursday night where PT and Bush were both possibly getting the hand off, Bush was approaching Brees from the WR position and PT from the tailback position. The Ball went to PT straight ahead for a decent gain but quite a few Vikings were following Bush. Thats just one play off the top of my head that he got zero fantasy points for but helped the team.He can never be out of their sight and that opens a whole lot of stuff up for other players on the team. Pierre Thomas is a great back but he is a normal type running back, Chris Ivory may one day suplant PT on the Saints but there is no one with Bush's skill set waiting in the wings. Sean Payton is well aware of that too as is Micky Loomis.

I was on board with you until this point.

 

[footballsavvy]

:facepalm; not this #### again

All 32 teams would give their left nut for Bush in addition to paying the $$$$ he makes. He does everything he needs to do for the Saints. Are shut down corners busts just because their skillset doesnt earn fantasy points? Bush catches and runs well and makes guys miss in the open field, he started last season to run through tackles instead of around. And he always must be accounted for by defenses beacause he is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches it. You can see that by one play in particular that was run Thursday night where PT and Bush were both possibly getting the hand off, Bush was approaching Brees from the WR position and PT from the tailback position. The Ball went to PT straight ahead for a decent gain but quite a few Vikings were following Bush. Thats just one play off the top of my head that he got zero fantasy points for but helped the team.He can never be out of their sight and that opens a whole lot of stuff up for other players on the team. Pierre Thomas is a great back but he is a normal type running back, Chris Ivory may one day suplant PT on the Saints but there is no one with Bush's skill set waiting in the wings. Sean Payton is well aware of that too as is Micky Loomis.

I was on board with you until this point.

Pierre Thomas is one of the better RBs in the NFL. That you dispute this tells me you are new to football. His per touch production is absolutely elite. The bottom line is that Sean Payton is an awesome coach and creates ridiculous mis-matches with the players he has on the field. Reggie Bush is invaluable to the Saints success and Pierre Thomas is nearly impossible to bring down one on one. You apparently didn't watch him running in the 2nd half of the game Thursday night.... unless you are unable to differentiate between plays where three defenders are waiting in the backfield and plays that create even the smallest of seams on the line. Watch it again, and while your at it youtube some Pierre Thomas highlights. Funny thing is his highlights happen every game. He's very consistent. He doesn't have 80 yard chris johnson TDs but he also doesn't get stuffed 14 times in a row.

 

[shadyridr]

Bust as a #2 overall pick but Saints are definitely a better team when hes on the field and he still does things that make you say wow every once in a while. Just not as much as we thought he would.

 

[Breesisdaman]

:facepalm; not this #### again

All 32 teams would give their left nut for Bush in addition to paying the $$$$ he makes. He does everything he needs to do for the Saints. Are shut down corners busts just because their skillset doesnt earn fantasy points? Bush catches and runs well and makes guys miss in the open field, he started last season to run through tackles instead of around. And he always must be accounted for by defenses beacause he is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches it. You can see that by one play in particular that was run Thursday night where PT and Bush were both possibly getting the hand off, Bush was approaching Brees from the WR position and PT from the tailback position. The Ball went to PT straight ahead for a decent gain but quite a few Vikings were following Bush. Thats just one play off the top of my head that he got zero fantasy points for but helped the team.He can never be out of their sight and that opens a whole lot of stuff up for other players on the team. Pierre Thomas is a great back but he is a normal type running back, Chris Ivory may one day suplant PT on the Saints but there is no one with Bush's skill set waiting in the wings. Sean Payton is well aware of that too as is Micky Loomis.

I was on board with you until this point.

Pierre Thomas is one of the better RBs in the NFL. That you dispute this tells me you are new to football. His per touch production is absolutely elite. The bottom line is that Sean Payton is an awesome coach and creates ridiculous mis-matches with the players he has on the field. Reggie Bush is invaluable to the Saints success and Pierre Thomas is nearly impossible to bring down one on one. You apparently didn't watch him running in the 2nd half of the game Thursday night.... unless you are unable to differentiate between plays where three defenders are waiting in the backfield and plays that create even the smallest of seams on the line. Watch it again, and while your at it youtube some Pierre Thomas highlights. Funny thing is his highlights happen every game. He's very consistent. He doesn't have 80 yard chris johnson TDs but he also doesn't get stuffed 14 times in a row.

Dispute what? He is above many backs in this league as you say, I will go so far as to say he is a Stud. He has the skill set that you would expect from a normal style RB in this league and he is doing it behind the best offensive line in the game with Nicks and Evans man handling the Williams wall that should be evident.. Now go watch some Chris Ivory footage and you will know what I meant. He is every bit as hard a runner as PT but still raw. He will mature this year and be ready to take a role next season IMO. If when contract time comes you can only afford to pay one (PT or Bush) the fact that you have a back like Ivory makes it hard for PT to get paid. He will be running else where in the league next season unless Mickey Loomis can pull off a contract miracle. Chris Ivory will be the next Deuce McCallister IMO.
If you own PT here is your "handcuff"

 

[LTF]

Pierre Thomas is "elite?"

He's a good back... but c'mon. Talk about extreme homerism. And not to mention he plays behind maybe the best o-line in all of football and in a dangerous spread offense that keeps safeties out of the box. Anyone think he'd produce in St. Louis like Steven Jackson still does, or in Jacksonville like MJD? Not a chance.

 

[onehung]

.

 

[MDSkinner]

I doubt there are many Saints fans that will call the guy a bust or that would want to get rid of him. That is enough for me to think he is no bust.

 

[tsarc888]

:facepalm; not this #### again

All 32 teams would give their left nut for Bush in addition to paying the $$$$ he makes. He does everything he needs to do for the Saints. Are shut down corners busts just because their skillset doesnt earn fantasy points? Bush catches and runs well and makes guys miss in the open field, he started last season to run through tackles instead of around. And he always must be accounted for by defenses beacause he is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches it. You can see that by one play in particular that was run Thursday night where PT and Bush were both possibly getting the hand off, Bush was approaching Brees from the WR position and PT from the tailback position. The Ball went to PT straight ahead for a decent gain but quite a few Vikings were following Bush. Thats just one play off the top of my head that he got zero fantasy points for but helped the team.He can never be out of their sight and that opens a whole lot of stuff up for other players on the team. Pierre Thomas is a great back but he is a normal type running back, Chris Ivory may one day suplant PT on the Saints but there is no one with Bush's skill set waiting in the wings. Sean Payton is well aware of that too as is Micky Loomis.

I was on board with you until this point.

Pierre Thomas is one of the better RBs in the NFL. That you dispute this tells me you are new to football. His per touch production is absolutely elite. The bottom line is that Sean Payton is an awesome coach and creates ridiculous mis-matches with the players he has on the field. Reggie Bush is invaluable to the Saints success and Pierre Thomas is nearly impossible to bring down one on one. You apparently didn't watch him running in the 2nd half of the game Thursday night.... unless you are unable to differentiate between plays where three defenders are waiting in the backfield and plays that create even the smallest of seams on the line. Watch it again, and while your at it youtube some Pierre Thomas highlights. Funny thing is his highlights happen every game. He's very consistent. He doesn't have 80 yard chris johnson TDs but he also doesn't get stuffed 14 times in a row.

Dispute what? He is above many backs in this league as you say, I will go so far as to say he is a Stud. He has the skill set that you would expect from a normal style RB in this league and he is doing it behind the best offensive line in the game with Nicks and Evans man handling the Williams wall that should be evident.. Now go watch some Chris Ivory footage and you will know what I meant. He is every bit as hard a runner as PT but still raw. He will mature this year and be ready to take a role next season IMO. If when contract time comes you can only afford to pay one (PT or Bush) the fact that you have a back like Ivory makes it hard for PT to get paid. He will be running else where in the league next season unless Mickey Loomis can pull off a contract miracle. Chris Ivory will be the next Deuce McCallister IMO.

I'm not saying you are wrong, but I'm far from sold on Ivory. The above highlight was in the 4th quarter of a pre-season game vs the Chargers 2nd string defense (and their 1st string defense is only average)

 

[Breesisdaman]

:facepalm; not this #### again

All 32 teams would give their left nut for Bush in addition to paying the $$$$ he makes. He does everything he needs to do for the Saints. Are shut down corners busts just because their skillset doesnt earn fantasy points? Bush catches and runs well and makes guys miss in the open field, he started last season to run through tackles instead of around. And he always must be accounted for by defenses beacause he is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches it. You can see that by one play in particular that was run Thursday night where PT and Bush were both possibly getting the hand off, Bush was approaching Brees from the WR position and PT from the tailback position. The Ball went to PT straight ahead for a decent gain but quite a few Vikings were following Bush. Thats just one play off the top of my head that he got zero fantasy points for but helped the team.He can never be out of their sight and that opens a whole lot of stuff up for other players on the team. Pierre Thomas is a great back but he is a normal type running back, Chris Ivory may one day suplant PT on the Saints but there is no one with Bush's skill set waiting in the wings. Sean Payton is well aware of that too as is Micky Loomis.

I was on board with you until this point.

Pierre Thomas is one of the better RBs in the NFL. That you dispute this tells me you are new to football. His per touch production is absolutely elite. The bottom line is that Sean Payton is an awesome coach and creates ridiculous mis-matches with the players he has on the field. Reggie Bush is invaluable to the Saints success and Pierre Thomas is nearly impossible to bring down one on one. You apparently didn't watch him running in the 2nd half of the game Thursday night.... unless you are unable to differentiate between plays where three defenders are waiting in the backfield and plays that create even the smallest of seams on the line. Watch it again, and while your at it youtube some Pierre Thomas highlights. Funny thing is his highlights happen every game. He's very consistent. He doesn't have 80 yard chris johnson TDs but he also doesn't get stuffed 14 times in a row.

Dispute what? He is above many backs in this league as you say, I will go so far as to say he is a Stud. He has the skill set that you would expect from a normal style RB in this league and he is doing it behind the best offensive line in the game with Nicks and Evans man handling the Williams wall that should be evident.. Now go watch some Chris Ivory footage and you will know what I meant. He is every bit as hard a runner as PT but still raw. He will mature this year and be ready to take a role next season IMO. If when contract time comes you can only afford to pay one (PT or Bush) the fact that you have a back like Ivory makes it hard for PT to get paid. He will be running else where in the league next season unless Mickey Loomis can pull off a contract miracle. Chris Ivory will be the next Deuce McCallister IMO.

Give it time. Saints fans are sold. He would easily be the #3 over Hamilton who is out for the season and made for a quick exit of Ladell Betts. He has been running hard through the middle for the most part and he has done it against starting defenses (preseason). Just keep him on your radar and remember what I am saying. I would love for Bush and PT to both be in a Saints uniform next year. Maybe Loomis can pay everyone that needs paid. It will be hard though and this kid Ivory is all the talk this preseason. Go to Saintsreport.com and do a search on Ivory.Ivory Towers over the competition-Timespicayune article

 

[GregR_2]

in the last 5 years or so, couldn't you say all USC NFL players have been busts relative to their draft position?

Just off the top of my head, Steve Smith, Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, and Lofa Tatupu would probably all be drafted earlier than they actually went if we redid each draft with hindsight.Though you have a point that USC may have a disproportionately large amount of players who haven't lived up to their draft slots.

 

[stbugs]

Pierre Thomas is "elite?" He's a good back... but c'mon. Talk about extreme homerism. And not to mention he plays behind maybe the best o-line in all of football and in a dangerous spread offense that keeps safeties out of the box. Anyone think he'd produce in St. Louis like Steven Jackson still does, or in Jacksonville like MJD? Not a chance.

Elite, that is laughable. So is the comment that all 32 teams would want Bush even if they had to pay him as a #2 pick. Thomas averages 3.7 ypc, Bush has 5 receptions for 33 yards and 3 punt returns for 7 yards when they squeek out a win over a Vikings team that looked pretty bad without Sidney Rice and the homers are calling them elite.I would say Bush isn't a bust because he has produced enough time and isn't out of the league now or anytime soon, but if you told me I would have Bush as he has been over his career at #2 $$$, then I would say no. There are a ton of RBs I would rather have over Thomas (CJ, ADP, SJackson, MJD, Gore, Rice, Turner, DeAngelo, Stewart, Charles, Mendenhall and even Best, Spiller and Matthews on potential and probably another handful that I would say are even or eventually better like Greene, Foster, Grant, McCoy, Bradshaw, Wells and Moreno). Thomas isn't elite when I can list 14 guys I would easily take over him and another 6 that I probably would.

 

[Breesisdaman]

Pierre Thomas is "elite?" He's a good back... but c'mon. Talk about extreme homerism. And not to mention he plays behind maybe the best o-line in all of football and in a dangerous spread offense that keeps safeties out of the box. Anyone think he'd produce in St. Louis like Steven Jackson still does, or in Jacksonville like MJD? Not a chance.

Elite, that is laughable. So is the comment that all 32 teams would want Bush even if they had to pay him as a #2 pick. Thomas averages 3.7 ypc, Bush has 5 receptions for 33 yards and 3 punt returns for 7 yards when they squeek out a win over a Vikings team that looked pretty bad without Sidney Rice and the homers are calling them elite.I would say Bush isn't a bust because he has produced enough time and isn't out of the league now or anytime soon, but if you told me I would have Bush as he has been over his career at #2 $$$, then I would say no. There are a ton of RBs I would rather have over Thomas (CJ, ADP, SJackson, MJD, Gore, Rice, Turner, DeAngelo, Stewart, Charles, Mendenhall and even Best, Spiller and Matthews on potential and probably another handful that I would say are even or eventually better like Greene, Foster, Grant, McCoy, Bradshaw, Wells and Moreno). Thomas isn't elite when I can list 14 guys I would easily take over him and another 6 that I probably would.

Just think what the panthers could do with Reggie and Deangelo , stretching the defense with Reggie and then Daylight all day for DWill. Fox would need to be creative though and he is a bit too conservative for that IMOAlso bringing up stats from the not so stellar season opener against the top rushing defense to make a point.. really?

 

[zoonation]

Bush was dominant last year during the Saints playoff run and inin the Superbowl. Not a bust at all. J. Russell is a far better example.

 

[cstu]

All 32 teams would give their left nut for Bush in addition to paying the $$$$ he makes.

I don't think this is true at all. Bush is a perfect fit for NO and they have both the understanding of how to use and the luxury of being able to use him the way they do. Most teams if they had him would be forced to use him in a more traditional role because of his salary.

 

[zoonation]

All 32 teams would give their left nut for Bush in addition to paying the $$$$ he makes.

I don't think this is true at all. Bush is a perfect fit for NO and they have both the understanding of how to use and the luxury of being able to use him the way they do. Most teams if they had him would be forced to use him in a more traditional role because of his salary.

um, you're wrong.

 

[Angus82]

For all the hype that surrounded Reggie Bush when he came out of college he has been a major disappointment if not an out an out bust to this point.In retrospect maybe Houston knew something when they passed on him with the number one pick in the draft. If you could magicially put Bush back in the draft would he even be a top ten choice? Could he fall out of the first round? Don't get me wrong he has been a contributor at the NFL level and I respect his unique skill set but he is never going to be a true impact player... In fantasy Bush is never going to be more than a #3/flex play at best.Am I missing something as far as this player is concerned? I just don't see why he deserves all the media attention that he gets. In no way is he an elite offensive weapon. Better than avg player yes, but not elite.

If you were looking for the next USC version of Red Badgro, Frank Gifford, OJ, or Marcus Allen, yea he is a bust. If you were looking for a marketing tool in line with Michael Vick, the NFL loves him.

 

[LTF]

Bush is a pretty good scat back, there's no denying that. One of the most comfortable RBs in the league in the passing game. A big threat in that regard.

But just simply as a running back running from 7 yards behind scrimmage taking handoffs? Pure bust. One of the worst in the NFL during his career so far. Bad YPC for years despite playing on a very talented team, even led the NFL in fumbles one year for non QBs, doesn't have great vision or patience, doesn't hit the hole hard, doesn't look comfortable running inside, etc... Some thought he was the next Barry Sanders but he ended up being some lesser version of Eric Metcalf.

But still, he's not a bust. He's a quality NFL player and as I said one of the best scat backs in all of football (not to mention is a threat as a punt returner as well). In terms of pure value, he would've been a very nice mid/late second or third rounder. But the hype for him coming out of school was ridiculous. I mean, the talking heads ANNIHILATED the Texans for passing on Bush at #1, even though hindsight shows they made the right decision, and Bush was probably the first guy to explode in terms of a Youtube highlight wonder which pushed his intrigue even higher. But he certainly turned out to be far less of a talent at the NFL level than what he was projected as, there's no denying that. Still... I wouldn't be upset to have him on my team, that's for sure.

 

[cstu]

All 32 teams would give their left nut for Bush in addition to paying the $$$$ he makes.

I don't think this is true at all. Bush is a perfect fit for NO and they have both the understanding of how to use and the luxury of being able to use him the way they do. Most teams if they had him would be forced to use him in a more traditional role because of his salary.

um, you're wrong.

Guess we'll find out when he's a free agent in a couple of years.

 

[Breesisdaman]

After winning a Super bowl ring , which he was a big part of the winning effort in the playoffs (See Cardinals playoff game for example)

Is that not enough payoff for the #2 pick in a draft?

Bust indeed

 

[Maik Jeaunz]

yeah, Reggie must be a bust because in the offseason, the Saints told Reggie he would have to take a pay cut or they would be forced to release/trade him.

no wait, my bad. that didn't happen. they paid his full salary with a smile on their faces.

 

[whodat2682]

Define bust. Is he putting up his college-like numbers in the NFL? No. Is he a quality NFL running back with a unique skill set that makes him be accounted for every time he is on the field? Yes. Was a #2 overall pick what the Saints had to pay to get him on the roster? Yes. If you go back and look at any draft, from any year, there are players that got drafted way too high and aren't even in the league anymore (see: Russel, JaMarcus.) Just saying that "bust" is a relative term, and IMO not a label you would put on Reggie

 

[Angus82]

After winning a Super bowl ring , which he was a big part of the winning effort in the playoffs (See Cardinals playoff game for example) Is that not enough payoff for the #2 pick in a draft? Bust indeed

You guys kill me with your humor. Timmy Smith helped the Redskins win a Super Bowl. Never did jack before or since but did have a great performance on the world's biggest stage. Most people do not know him. Reggie Bush is an overpaid third down back.

 

[moderated]

yeah, Reggie must be a bust because in the offseason, the Saints told Reggie he would have to take a pay cut or they would be forced to release/trade him.no wait, my bad. that didn't happen. they paid his full salary with a smile on their faces.

I don't think people are calling him a bust as a player, they are calling him a bust relative to his draft position.For example let's say teams knew that they could draft an exact clone of him, there is no way he would be a top 10 draft pick, but he likely would be a late 1st - 2nd round pick.So even at his #2 draft spot he isn't really a bad bust, but he definitely didn't live up to the lofty expectations of a top3 nfl draft pick.He's a valuable part of a team, but can't carry a team.

 

[whodat2682]

After winning a Super bowl ring , which he was a big part of the winning effort in the playoffs (See Cardinals playoff game for example) Is that not enough payoff for the #2 pick in a draft? Bust indeed

You guys kill me with your humor. Timmy Smith helped the Redskins win a Super Bowl. Never did jack before or since but did have a great performance on the world's biggest stage. Most people do not know him. Reggie Bush is an overpaid third down back.

I don't think you'd get much argument from anyone that he's over-hyped. But a "bust"? That's a little harsh. Don't have the stats in front of me, but I'd be willing to bet he's in the top 3 in return TD's since he's been in the league if not number 1 outright. Hardly a bust.

 

[dharmapunk]

He definitely isn't a bust. The problem is -

1. He doesn't fit the mold of a traditional great RB: 25 carries, 100+ yards, carries the team on his back.

2. He was drafted too high and surrounded by an inordinate amount of hype, even for a #2 overall pick.

Reggie Bush is a very good back in the emerging mold of co-starting NFL running backs. He isn't a "change of pace" back, who traditionally saw around 10 touches per game (Darren Sproales comes to mind). A co-starter averages 15-20 touches a game. Sometimes they dip as low 10 or 12 touches, sometimes they get as many as 25 or even 30. It depends on their skill set and the opponent. Deangelo Williams, Reggie Bush, Felix Jones, and Fred Jackson all fit this mode (and I'd rank them in that order), IMO.

Reggie is a great receiving back, a fantastic return threat, and an average runner. If he was drafted today, I'm sure a team would spend a low 1st rounder on him like Dallas did on Felix Jones, and be very happy.

 

[Angus82]

After winning a Super bowl ring , which he was a big part of the winning effort in the playoffs (See Cardinals playoff game for example) Is that not enough payoff for the #2 pick in a draft? Bust indeed

You guys kill me with your humor. Timmy Smith helped the Redskins win a Super Bowl. Never did jack before or since but did have a great performance on the world's biggest stage. Most people do not know him. Reggie Bush is an overpaid third down back.

I don't think you'd get much argument from anyone that he's over-hyped. But a "bust"? That's a little harsh. Don't have the stats in front of me, but I'd be willing to bet he's in the top 3 in return TD's since he's been in the league if not number 1 outright. Hardly a bust.

So you have no problem with your team using the #2 overall draft pick on a punt returner?

 

[cstu]

yeah, Reggie must be a bust because in the offseason, the Saints told Reggie he would have to take a pay cut or they would be forced to release/trade him.no wait, my bad. that didn't happen. they paid his full salary with a smile on their faces.

They are absolutely not paying it "with a smile on their faces". Like most everyone else they know they are overpaying for what he's worth, but they do want him and can't ask him to take a pay cut. Things are going to get very interesting next year when his salary goes up to $12M. I fully expect them to cut him and take the $4M cap charge.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I was a huge Bush supporter when he came out, but there's absolutely no question that he's a bust. A few nice punt returns and a scat back do not make for the #2 overall pick. This guy was drafted thinking he would be putting up 2000 yard, 15 TD seasons.

As far as the punt return stuff, he's not even a particularly good returner. He has a few TDs which is nice, but he averages 8 yards per return which is not even in the top 15 in the league. That puts the Saints in the bottom half of the league in punt returns.

 

[whodat2682]

After winning a Super bowl ring , which he was a big part of the winning effort in the playoffs (See Cardinals playoff game for example) Is that not enough payoff for the #2 pick in a draft? Bust indeed

You guys kill me with your humor. Timmy Smith helped the Redskins win a Super Bowl. Never did jack before or since but did have a great performance on the world's biggest stage. Most people do not know him. Reggie Bush is an overpaid third down back.

I don't think you'd get much argument from anyone that he's over-hyped. But a "bust"? That's a little harsh. Don't have the stats in front of me, but I'd be willing to bet he's in the top 3 in return TD's since he's been in the league if not number 1 outright. Hardly a bust.

So you have no problem with your team using the #2 overall draft pick on a punt returner?

If that was all he did, I would be upset. But since he's a complete nightmare for opposing defenses to matchup with, and therefore creates mismatches for other players on the Saints offense, punt returns are just icing on the cake for me.I think some people are equating fantasy sucess with real life production. If Reggie runs a fake reverse and due to his "homerun" ability draws 2 defensive players out of position allowing PT to rumble for 7 yards and a game clinching 1st down, and never touches the ball. I'm totally OK with that.

 

[Angus82]

After winning a Super bowl ring , which he was a big part of the winning effort in the playoffs (See Cardinals playoff game for example) Is that not enough payoff for the #2 pick in a draft? Bust indeed

You guys kill me with your humor. Timmy Smith helped the Redskins win a Super Bowl. Never did jack before or since but did have a great performance on the world's biggest stage. Most people do not know him. Reggie Bush is an overpaid third down back.

I don't think you'd get much argument from anyone that he's over-hyped. But a "bust"? That's a little harsh. Don't have the stats in front of me, but I'd be willing to bet he's in the top 3 in return TD's since he's been in the league if not number 1 outright. Hardly a bust.

So you have no problem with your team using the #2 overall draft pick on a punt returner?

If that was all he did, I would be upset. But since he's a complete nightmare for opposing defenses to matchup with, and therefore creates mismatches for other players on the Saints offense, punt returns are just icing on the cake for me.I think some people are equating fantasy sucess with real life production. If Reggie runs a fake reverse and due to his "homerun" ability draws 2 defensive players out of position allowing PT to rumble for 7 yards and a game clinching 1st down, and never touches the ball. I'm totally OK with that.

I am going to be jerk here. Is Reggie the guy if the Saints do not get Drew Brees? He is an accessory not the main item.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I think some people are equating fantasy sucess with real life production. If Reggie runs a fake reverse and due to his "homerun" ability draws 2 defensive players out of position allowing PT to rumble for 7 yards and a game clinching 1st down, and never touches the ball. I'm totally OK with that.

This isn't 4 years ago when teams were terrified of Reggie and let Deuce rumble up the middle because they didn't know he was a bust yet. Reggie coming around on a fake reverse is no different to the defense than Devery Henderson coming around on a fake reverse anymore.

 

[whodat2682]

I was a huge Bush supporter when he came out, but there's absolutely no question that he's a bust. A few nice punt returns and a scat back do not make for the #2 overall pick. This guy was drafted thinking he would be putting up 2000 yard, 15 TD seasons.As far as the punt return stuff, he's not even a particularly good returner. He has a few TDs which is nice, but he averages 8 yards per return which is not even in the top 15 in the league. That puts the Saints in the bottom half of the league in punt returns.

Sorry he never lived up to your lofty expectations of 2,000 yards and 15 TDs (of which like 6 guys have ever done) but a bust he's not. Over-hyped? Probably. And he's certainly an elite punt returner. No teams will kick to him and they all try and pin him to a sideline. Just ask the same Brad Childress Vikings team we just played. He took 2 back on them in 2008 (should have been 3 but he tripped over his own feet with nobody within 5 yards of him) and I doubt Chilly has forgotten that. The Vikings purposely layed up the punts so he wouldn't be able to return them and thereby conceded field position. Just because the box score in the newspaper says 8 yards a return doesn't mean he didn't have an impact on special teams.

 

[Angus82]

I was a huge Bush supporter when he came out, but there's absolutely no question that he's a bust. A few nice punt returns and a scat back do not make for the #2 overall pick. This guy was drafted thinking he would be putting up 2000 yard, 15 TD seasons.As far as the punt return stuff, he's not even a particularly good returner. He has a few TDs which is nice, but he averages 8 yards per return which is not even in the top 15 in the league. That puts the Saints in the bottom half of the league in punt returns.

Sorry he never lived up to your lofty expectations of 2,000 yards and 15 TDs (of which like 6 guys have ever done) but a bust he's not. Over-hyped? Probably. And he's certainly an elite punt returner. No teams will kick to him and they all try and pin him to a sideline. Just ask the same Brad Childress Vikings team we just played. He took 2 back on them in 2008 (should have been 3 but he tripped over his own feet with nobody within 5 yards of him) and I doubt Chilly has forgotten that. The Vikings purposely layed up the punts so he wouldn't be able to return them and thereby conceded field position. Just because the box score in the newspaper says 8 yards a return doesn't mean he didn't have an impact on special teams.

You go girl. Reggie a reality TV diva and you are down with the love. A Saints fan trying to explain why Reggie is not a a wasted #2 pick is classic.

 

[whodat2682]

It's a team sport, they're all acessories. I'm not trying to argue that Reggie could throw the team on his back, rush 30 times and produce even when teams know he is coming. BUT, he is a versatile player who must be accounted for whenever he is on the field. This fact alone makes him very valuable. Throw in his punt returning skills and this makes him anything but a bust (which is what this thread is about.)

The bottom line is that if the Saints (or any team that year in the draft) wanted him they were going to have to draft him #2 overall because that was his implied value at the time. And while he may not be a putting up HOF type numbers, how many 1st round picks really ever do? He's still a relevant part of a championship team after 4 years in the league and nowhere near a REAL bust like some #1 picks (JaMArcus) and #2 picks (Ryan Leaf) have turned out to be.

 

[whodat2682]

I was a huge Bush supporter when he came out, but there's absolutely no question that he's a bust. A few nice punt returns and a scat back do not make for the #2 overall pick. This guy was drafted thinking he would be putting up 2000 yard, 15 TD seasons.As far as the punt return stuff, he's not even a particularly good returner. He has a few TDs which is nice, but he averages 8 yards per return which is not even in the top 15 in the league. That puts the Saints in the bottom half of the league in punt returns.

Sorry he never lived up to your lofty expectations of 2,000 yards and 15 TDs (of which like 6 guys have ever done) but a bust he's not. Over-hyped? Probably. And he's certainly an elite punt returner. No teams will kick to him and they all try and pin him to a sideline. Just ask the same Brad Childress Vikings team we just played. He took 2 back on them in 2008 (should have been 3 but he tripped over his own feet with nobody within 5 yards of him) and I doubt Chilly has forgotten that. The Vikings purposely layed up the punts so he wouldn't be able to return them and thereby conceded field position. Just because the box score in the newspaper says 8 yards a return doesn't mean he didn't have an impact on special teams.

You go girl. Reggie a reality TV diva and you are down with the love. A Saints fan trying to explain why Reggie is not a a wasted #2 pick is classic.

You're right. We should've taken Michael Huff instead. He was another guy the Saints had in mind at #2 and would've no doubt led us to the Superbowl even quicker given his illustrious career.

 

[Breesisdaman]

It's a team sport, they're all acessories. I'm not trying to argue that Reggie could throw the team on his back, rush 30 times and produce even when teams know he is coming. BUT, he is a versatile player who must be accounted for whenever he is on the field. This fact alone makes him very valuable. Throw in his punt returning skills and this makes him anything but a bust (which is what this thread is about.) The bottom line is that if the Saints (or any team that year in the draft) wanted him they were going to have to draft him #2 overall because that was his implied value at the time. And while he may not be a putting up HOF type numbers, how many 1st round picks really ever do? He's still a relevant part of a championship team after 4 years in the league and nowhere near a REAL bust like some #1 picks (JaMArcus) and #2 picks (Ryan Leaf) have turned out to be.

You know what it is, its the Heisman bitterness from the USC crap that is bringing all the haters out. Saints fans are much happier with Mr. Bush than college fans thats for sure. Now if they do take away Reggie's Heisman they sure as hell better give the National championship to Auburn. Thats all I have to say about that.