Reggie Bush (1 Viewer)

[djcolts]

It's obvious this Bomani Jones -- who isn't a real journalist writing for ESPN Page 2 -- was given this assignment last week and, since Bush had his best game of the season, had to completely ignore that and focus on the fumble in order to make the story fit the assignment.

That has become ESPN's MO in the past few years. Sadly. I simply do not trust much of what they say in terms of analyzing the NFL. Locals on this board are much more in tune with their teams, and will generally give a more insightful assessment.

 

[switz]

i don't feel like reading through all the pissing match posts, so sorry if someone else has asked this, but my biggger question is: why does payton insist on running bush between the tackles/up the middle so much? he clearly can't cut it like that yet, gets stuffed nearly every time, and yet he bogarts at least 8 or 9 "deuce"-type carries per game.

Because Payton is a good coach.1. Bush, to be of value to the Saints, needs to learn how to run up the middle. Earlier in the year there was a lot of complaint that Bush was always run to the outside. Now he is running up the middle, and seems to be improving at it. This is good for the long run of the team, and doesn't seem to be costing them too much at this time.2. It is actually good for the team NOW for Bush to be used to run up the middle at times. It opens up play action opportunities. If they never ran Bush up the middle, then there would be no play fake on a run up the middle with Bush in there. They have been successful with the play action, because they keep running Bush up the middle even though he hasn't been very successful at running so far.

 

[icehouse]

I agree with the basic premise of the article, which is that Bush has not performed up to expectations so far and that there was no need to bash the Texans SO MUCH for selecting Williams (who has been playing well). I wouldn't go as far as to say Bush's fumble lost the game for the Saints, but it is funny that whenever I watch ESPN they rarely make any mention of it, yet his TD is shown over and over again. How much impact Bush has on the opposing defense is debatable (I can see both sides) but I don't think anyone would say that he is running well at the moment. The good things about rookies is that they can improve (see Jerry Rice early on). I think Bush has the physical tools (just needs to get stronger), but he has to get his mind right.

For some reason Houston athletes never get any love (East Coast bias?) so Mario might as well get used to the scrutiny. From Choke City (deserving title at the time) to the Rockets not even getting an SI issue after their first title (sorry Knick fans) to folks still calling Yao a stiff (article just hit this week about how his "personality won't allow him to dominate) to the Mario stuff now...

Sorry, end of rant........

 

[Doug B]

How much impact Bush has on the opposing defense is debatable (I can see both sides) ...

Au contraire -- not only is the overplay apparent on the field ... but opposing players and coaches have spoken publicly (most recently Baltimore's Bart Scott and TB's Monte Kiffin) about being super-determined to not let Bush beat them. Not even Brees, Deuce, and Colston are getting those kinds of quotes. I'll take their word for it

... but I don't think anyone would say that he is running well at the moment.

After the Steelers game, I'd say Bush is working it out. He's getting there. I can see the last Tampa Bay performance ending up as something of an anomaly once the season is over.

 

[icehouse]

How much impact Bush has on the opposing defense is debatable (I can see both sides) ...

Au contraire -- not only is the overplay apparent on the field ... but opposing players and coaches have spoken publicly (most recently Baltimore's Bart Scott and TB's Monte Kiffin) about being super-determined to not let Bush beat them. Not even Brees, Deuce, and Colston are getting those kinds of quotes. I'll take their word for it

... but I don't think anyone would say that he is running well at the moment.

After the Steelers game, I'd say Bush is working it out. He's getting there. I can see the last Tampa Bay performance ending up as something of an anomaly once the season is over.

I don't mean as far as teams paying attention to Bush, I mean as far as folks assuming other players (i.e. Colston) are only being prouductive because Bush is there. That I do not agree with and I don't think anyone has come out and said anything like that. Teams may pay him some attention (even though he isn't producing) but I think his impact is overstated in those regards.

 

[Doug B]

I don't mean as far as teams paying attention to Bush, I mean as far as folks assuming other players (i.e. Colston) are only being prouductive because Bush is there. That I do not agree with and I don't think anyone has come out and said anything like that. Teams may pay him some attention (even though he isn't producing) but I think his impact is overstated in those regards.

Well, only being productive because of Bush ... no. But I do believe that the Saints' offensive production would be reduced without Bush on the field. Now ... is it a 5% reduction or a 20% reduction? That's the question. Bush unquestionably makes life a lot easier on Brees ... and so whoever depends on Brees gets some benefit, too.

 

[Sanboy]

its because he is a glorified 3rd down RB

HE IS WHAT ALMOST EVERYONE KNEW HE WOULD BE .... AND HE IS LETTING EVERYONE KNOW IT

 

[Gadfly]

Bush's most encouraging play was a 5-yard run up the middle on the Saints' final drive. It was a key situation and they trusted him to run up the middle. He hit narrow hole quickly without any dance.

 

[Doug B]

its because he is a glorified 3rd down RB HE IS WHAT ALMOST EVERYONE KNEW HE WOULD BE .... AND HE IS LETTING EVERYONE KNOW IT

What "almost everyone knew"? Come on, now. I'm pretty sure the doubters were well outnumbered 8 months ago.

 

[Gargoylez]

Bush's most encouraging play was a 5-yard run up the middle on the Saints' final drive. It was a key situation and they trusted him to run up the middle. He hit narrow hole quickly without any dance.

There was a play in the Bucs game as well where he actually lowered his shoulder and got an extra yard or two to continue a drive.I have seen him dance once too many, but he has some plays where I just nod my head and think, ok hes getting there.Being a bucs fan, I hope he continues to shine on Dancing with the stars... but as a football fan I hope he starts to kick this into high gear.