Thoughts on Reggie Bush after two games... (1 Viewer)

[Judge Smails]

Obviously is a Westbrook type receiver, but what can we expect out of the rushing game? Was this week an aberration? One would think that with his sheer speed that TD's will come at some point. Trying to gauge his worth in a non-PPR league vs. the likes of FWP, etc.

How many TD's might we see out of this guy? Is 60 yards rushing, 70 receiving, and a maybe 2 TD's total every 3 weeks too much to expect out of him?

 

[s_ezy]

He is a great Reciever

 

[NYGus]

I think he's getting ready to break out real soon and 2 td's every 3 weeks isn't too much to expect IMO.

Reggie will score on Monday night. Bet. I haven't started him yet but I will be this week.

 

[JuniorNB]

I think he's doing about as well as I expected him to.

He's not doing very well running from scrimmage, but I don't know that he ever will be that guy.

I could see him breaking Larry Center's career receiving marks eventually. His speed makes him very dangerous out of the backfield.

As of now, I'd say he's every bit as good as Brian Westbrook as far as his abilities in receiving. He's not at Westbrook's level as a runner yet, though.

 

[Traders2001]

Geat Receiver average Running back ( Deuce is in no danger ).

Remember Eric Metcalf ( I had him as a RB but was mostly used as a WR and at that time we were giving double points to a RB catching a TD pass ) .

He is as good as Westbrook catching the ball but from what we have seen so far he is nt very good at RB.

 

[Hendo]

i'll tell u this... if i was a team looking for a workhorse RB i woulda took Maroney.

i just dont see Bush ever a true featured runner in the NFL

 

[Judge Smails]

Interesting to hear that people are saying that the guy who according to draft gurus "may be the best running back since Barry Sanders" is not that good of a running back....

 

[Banger]

I think his preseason scramble warped expectations. He will break some big ones (ala T. Bell) and he'll be the classic feast or famine RB (unless PPR). People forgot about the other RB there (mistakenly) and Deuce will still have a prominent role in the offense.

 

[Hue G]

I think he's getting ready to break out real soon and 2 td's every 3 weeks isn't too much to expect IMO.Reggie will score on Monday night. Bet. I haven't started him yet but I will be this week.

I highly doubt he'll score 2 TDs every 3 games

 

[One]

My 1st impression and still my only impression:

He's only valuable in PPR. period.

 

[Judge Smails]

So everyone thinks it's a slam dunk that he'll be outscored by run only RB's that come out on 3rd down, like FWP..

 

[jurb26]

My 1st impression and still my only impression:He's only valuable in PPR. period.

Bush has nearly 200 yds in 2 games. That holds value no matter what. He was drafted as a RB 3 by most. RB 2 tops. In a PPR format, those 15 rec are gold.

 

[Hendo]

Interesting to hear that people are saying that the guy who according to draft gurus "may be the best running back since Barry Sanders" is not that good of a running back....

i dont ever remeber reading that. i read alot that he's best suited spread all over the field, isnt the best inside runner which is why the need for a platoon. in todays NFL its alot plausable to think he'll be platooned for most of his carrer then say 10 years ago too.

 

[NYGus]

Interesting to hear that people are saying that the guy who according to draft gurus "may be the best running back since Barry Sanders" is not that good of a running back....

How can anyone judge Bush on two games??? For the record Barry's 1st 2 games looked like this: Phoenix 9 for 71 and 1td rushing. No receptions NY Giants 12 for 57 and 1td rushing 6 for 96 receivingVery good debut but not mind blowing.Bush's #'s so farCleveland 15 for 67 and 0 TD's 7 for 52 receivingGreen Bay 6 for 5 and 0 TD's 8 for 68 receiving

 

[ImTheScientist]

i'll tell u this... if i was a team looking for a workhorse RB i woulda took Maroney.

i just dont see Bush ever a true featured runner in the NFL

Why?

 

[Hellfire Snail]

My 1st impression and still my only impression:He's only valuable in PPR. period.

To say he will not succeed rushing might just be a bit premature, no? He's played two games and rushed decently in the first game. The NO offensive line, right now, is nothing to write home about. They've played two games on the road. Deuce breaking off that 23 yard TD, to me, is unnatural--it is not something I expect to see again anytime soon. His tds will be come from five yards and in. But I digress. Bush will be a Faulkish running back, perhaps leaning slightly more towards the receptions than Faulk, but virtually the same in total yards. To say he will be like Larry Centers or no better than Westbrook, after two games, is just as foolhardy as saying he is the second coming before donning an NFL jersey. He has shown his talent and explosiveness at the NFL level so far, and that's what's important.

 

[GregR_2]

Interesting to hear that people are saying that the guy who according to draft gurus "may be the best running back since Barry Sanders" is not that good of a running back....

I don't think it's that he is "not that good of a running back".I think it is "With Deuce on the team too they are going to use his receiving skills more than his RB skills".We won't know if he's the best RB since Barry until they actually use him as a full-time RB. And frankly I don't think they should while they have Deuce. I don't know that you gain more going from Deuce to Bush than you gain by having both active and keeping them fresh and limiting the hits they take throughout the season.

 

[dawgtrails]

i'll tell u this... if i was a team looking for a workhorse RB i woulda took Maroney. i just dont see Bush ever a true featured runner in the NFL

Are you serious? You are basing this on all of 21 carries? Did you ever see this guy in college?He is averaging 3.5 ypc. Deuce is averaging 4 ypc. Shaun Alexander is averaging 3.1 ypc.Small sample size. This dude is going to be special. If you think he will never be a featured running back in this league, I dont know what to tell you.Where were you in week 1 when he averaged 4.5 ypc?The dude already has 16 catches, and he is splitting time with another RB. If Deuce was not on the team, Reggie would probably be top 3 or 4 RB in scoring right now...maybe top 2 in ppr leagues.

 

[JuniorNB]

My 1st impression and still my only impression:He's only valuable in PPR. period.

To say he will be like Larry Centers or no better than Westbrook, after two games, is just as foolhardy as saying he is the second coming before donning an NFL jersey. He has shown his talent and explosiveness at the NFL level so far, and that's what's important.

Larry Centers is the best receiving running back to EVER PLAY THE GAME. I said in my post that he could very well pass his record. Why would you take that as an insult?Also, Brian Westbrook is a very good NFL running back.The only people who would consider those comparisons to be insults are the fools who bought into all the ESPN hype that he is the next Gale Sayers or Barry Sanders.

 

[NYGus]

i'll tell u this... if i was a team looking for a workhorse RB i woulda took Maroney. i just dont see Bush ever a true featured runner in the NFL

Are you serious? You are basing this on all of 21 carries? Did you ever see this guy in college?He is averaging 3.5 ypc. Deuce is averaging 4 ypc. Shaun Alexander is averaging 3.1 ypc.Small sample size. This dude is going to be special. If you think he will never be a featured running back in this league, I dont know what to tell you.Where were you in week 1 when he averaged 4.5 ypc?The dude already has 16 catches, and he is splitting time with another RB. If Deuce was not on the team, Reggie would probably be top 3 or 4 RB in scoring right now...maybe top 2 in ppr leagues.

People who base their long term predictions on 2 games worth of stats are the same kind of people who make panic pick ups and drops after 2 weeks. Be patient grasshoppa...it's a LONG season.

 

[Kiddnets]

I chose him over FWP in a non ppr league - think he has more potential in the long run. Awaiting his 1st TD which should come soon. I think he will only get better as the year goes on.

 

[Hendo]

i just dont see Bush ever a true featured runner in the NFL

Are you serious? You are basing this on all of 21 carries? Did you ever see this guy in college?

dead serious, i have saw him in college and he was platooned and no i'm not basing this off 21 carries but rather his entire football career thus far.

He is averaging 3.5 ypc. Deuce is averaging 4 ypc. Shaun Alexander is averaging 3.1 ypc.Small sample size. This dude is going to be special. If you think he will never be a featured running back in this league, I dont know what to tell you.

i never said he wasnt gonna be special just i dont see him as a workhorse back and theres no facts to support that he will be thus far. go ask Tatum Bell why he isnt getting more of a workload with his career ypc.

The dude already has 16 catches, and he is splitting time with another RB. If Deuce was not on the team, Reggie would probably be top 3 or 4 RB in scoring right now...maybe top 2 in ppr leagues.

hesa a damn fine athlete and is very special. however i doubt he would be a top 3-4 RB right now if there was no Deuce.

 

[Doug B]

Interesting to hear that people are saying that the guy who according to draft gurus "may be the best running back since Barry Sanders" is not that good of a running back....

People are overreacting to two low-rushing-yardage games. That's all. Some are thinking that the last two weeks are the ceiling for Bush's rushing game ... that there is no more development for him, and that there is no upside for him as a pro RB taking carries.I say Bush needs to develop some discipline at the RB position. He's not yet content to take the sure 3-5 yards that are often there -- he's getting caught stretching too many runs out to the sidelines. In college, he could normally beat everyone to the corner ... but in the pros, he's going to have to learn to take what's there.

 

[dawgtrails]

My 1st impression and still my only impression:He's only valuable in PPR. period.

To say he will be like Larry Centers or no better than Westbrook, after two games, is just as foolhardy as saying he is the second coming before donning an NFL jersey. He has shown his talent and explosiveness at the NFL level so far, and that's what's important.

Larry Centers is the best receiving running back to EVER PLAY THE GAME. I said in my post that he could very well pass his record. Why would you take that as an insult?Also, Brian Westbrook is a very good NFL running back.The only people who would consider those comparisons to be insults are the fools who bought into all the ESPN hype that he is the next Gale Sayers or Barry Sanders.

Larry Centers is not the best receiving RB ever. Maybe the best receiving fullback, but I think it is a stretch to call him the best ever.And, to compare Reggie Bush to Larry Centers is an insult. The man never ran for more than 400 yds in a season. Only had one season with more than 2 rushing TDs. If the Saints, or anyone else thought that Larry Centers was the upside of Reggie Bush, I can guarantee you he wouldn't have been drafted in the first round.Larry Centers?? Man

 

[icehouse]

Sorry, but since Bush graduated from high school he hasn't shown anyone that he can carry a full load as an every down back. He didn't do it at USC (thanks White), and he won't do it in NO unless they move Deuce. You can say it's the situation if ya like, but please don't say he has shown that he can be an every down back when he never has. At least be honest and say "I think he can but he hasn't had the chance to show me for whatever reason".

When Bush came out he was getting Barry/Sayers/Faulk/LT comparisons left and right. Well all of those dudes got the rock as RB's, not multi-dimensional threats like Westbrook/Pittman/Metcalf. Right now Bush seems to be in the latter category....but it's only been 2 games.

 

[Hellfire Snail]

My 1st impression and still my only impression:He's only valuable in PPR. period.

To say he will be like Larry Centers or no better than Westbrook, after two games, is just as foolhardy as saying he is the second coming before donning an NFL jersey. He has shown his talent and explosiveness at the NFL level so far, and that's what's important.

Larry Centers is the best receiving running back to EVER PLAY THE GAME. I said in my post that he could very well pass his record. Why would you take that as an insult?Also, Brian Westbrook is a very good NFL running back.The only people who would consider those comparisons to be insults are the fools who bought into all the ESPN hype that he is the next Gale Sayers or Barry Sanders.

I wasn't taking it as "an insult", I was taking it as saying that he'll be a pass-catching RB and nothing more. I think that diagnosis after a couple games is foolhardy. I'm not saying he'll be Sayers or Sanders, but I think he will be as good rushing, eventually, as he will be receiving.

 

[Hendo]

Sorry, but since Bush graduated from high school he hasn't shown anyone that he can carry a full load as an every down back. He didn't do it at USC (thanks White), and he won't do it in NO unless they move Deuce. You can say it's the situation if ya like, but please don't say he has shown that he can be an every down back when he never has. At least be honest and say "I think he can but he hasn't had the chance to show me for whatever reason".When Bush came out he was getting Barry/Sayers/Faulk/LT comparisons left and right. Well all of those dudes got the rock as RB's, not multi-dimensional threats like Westbrook/Pittman/Metcalf. Right now Bush seems to be in the latter category....but it's only been 2 games.

very very good post

 

[One]

I'm looking at it through non-flex, 2 RB starting, PPR eyes.

I'm an owner and I wish he'd throw up Gore-like games.

Week1 - PPR-22 ... NPPR-14

Week2 - PPR-16 ... NPPR-8

It's just not so hot considering where he was drafted in NPPRs.

 

[fenwah]

Interesting to hear that people are saying that the guy who according to draft gurus "may be the best running back since Barry Sanders" is not that good of a running back....

How can anyone judge Bush on two games??? For the record Barry's 1st 2 games looked like this: Phoenix 9 for 71 and 1td rushing. No receptions NY Giants 12 for 57 and 1td rushing 6 for 96 receivingVery good debut but not mind blowing.Bush's #'s so farCleveland 15 for 67 and 0 TD's 7 for 52 receivingGreen Bay 6 for 5 and 0 TD's 8 for 68 receiving

 

[PMENFAN]

i'll tell u this... if i was a team looking for a workhorse RB i woulda took Maroney.

i just dont see Bush ever a true featured runner in the NFL

Why?

That's what I thought. I will admit that I thought that last year. But, he could easily put another 15 lbs on that frame, and not lost any quicks, IMO. I keep thinking Tiki, Dunn, Barry not that far, yet. He's definitely special, and his upside is far higher than I gave him credit for 6 months ago. Will he take Deuces job? Not in the near future, and why would they want to give it to him? Find a way to get him the ball in other ways, and keep Deuce involved. You have another weapon. But, to say that he could never be an NFL back is IMHO, not a fair statement, based on what we've seen from smaller backs, with lesser move/speed..

 

[doughboydeluxe]

I don't understand those saying he's not a good RB. Based on what? 6 carries against Green Bay? There's no question that Bush and McAllister cut into each other's value this year, but to say Bush is not a good RB because McAllister gets most of the inside-the-tackle plays is just silly. From what I have heard the Saints have actually been impressed with Bush's strength and ability inside the tackles, but when you have Deuce there, the smart and prudent decision would be to run Deuce between the tackles and try to get Bush out into space. And let's not forget that the OL in NO is not exactly the Steelers or Bengals.

I think he'll have 6-7 TDs by the end of the year, about 1300 total yards, and the roof will come off the Superdome when he scores his first NFL TD Monday night. He obviously has more value in PPR leagues (a great RB2), but he makes a nice RB3 in non-PPR leagues. In standard scoring leagues he is the #24 RB after two weeks, and in standard PPR leagues he is the #10 RB. If Bush gets 1300 total yards and 6 TDs, that's about 170 fantasy points, which last year would have put him around #15 RB. I think he'll be top 10 RB in PPR leagues.

 

[JuniorNB]

My 1st impression and still my only impression:He's only valuable in PPR. period.

To say he will be like Larry Centers or no better than Westbrook, after two games, is just as foolhardy as saying he is the second coming before donning an NFL jersey. He has shown his talent and explosiveness at the NFL level so far, and that's what's important.

Larry Centers is the best receiving running back to EVER PLAY THE GAME. I said in my post that he could very well pass his record. Why would you take that as an insult?Also, Brian Westbrook is a very good NFL running back.The only people who would consider those comparisons to be insults are the fools who bought into all the ESPN hype that he is the next Gale Sayers or Barry Sanders.

Larry Centers is not the best receiving RB ever. Maybe the best receiving fullback, but I think it is a stretch to call him the best ever.And, to compare Reggie Bush to Larry Centers is an insult. The man never ran for more than 400 yds in a season. Only had one season with more than 2 rushing TDs. If the Saints, or anyone else thought that Larry Centers was the upside of Reggie Bush, I can guarantee you he wouldn't have been drafted in the first round.Larry Centers?? Man

Dude, you're having a hard time wrapping your head around this. As a runner, Bush will be much, much better than Centers, who blocked more than he rushed the ball. As a receiver, Bush can aspire to someday be as good as Centers. He was the best receiving running back ever. His 826 receptions are the most by a running back in NFL history. I'm saying that Bush has a chance to be the best ever and you still take it as an insult. As a runner, I think that he could be as good as Tiki Barber is, or as average as an Eric Metcalf. That remains to be seen.

 

[cowboy homer]

I chose him over FWP in a non ppr league - think he has more potential in the long run. Awaiting his 1st TD which should come soon. I think he will only get better as the year goes on.

Not sure how many TDs he will have. FWP would have been much better then Bush this year and the next few. Bush is going to have mccallister there for a while.Bush is a great WR and in a ppr league he is a stud. In a non ppr league hes too inconsistent and is only a good RB3

 

[icehouse]

i'll tell u this... if i was a team looking for a workhorse RB i woulda took Maroney.

i just dont see Bush ever a true featured runner in the NFL

Why?

That's what I thought. I will admit that I thought that last year. But, he could easily put another 15 lbs on that frame, and not lost any quicks, IMO. I keep thinking Tiki, Dunn, Barry not that far, yet. He's definitely special, and his upside is far higher than I gave him credit for 6 months ago. Will he take Deuces job? Not in the near future, and why would they want to give it to him? Find a way to get him the ball in other ways, and keep Deuce involved. You have another weapon. But, to say that he could never be an NFL back is IMHO, not a fair statement, based on what we've seen from smaller backs, with lesser move/speed..

But you can't say that he can either, from what we have seen OF HIM and how he has been used. And if I can't even conclusively say that a guy can be an every down back, then I can't compare him to Barry Sanders or Gale Sayers. If I have a Barry or Sayers type of RB on my team then the running back that I have coming off ACL surgery is on the bench or getting traded. The average life of a RB is too short for my "stud" to not get carries. Offensive coordinators for Westbrook, Pittman and Metcalf also used them in a variety of ways because they couldn't pound the rock like you want your RB to do (even a multi-faceted back like LT is still relied on to take the rock and move the chains). Bush has not shown us that he can do that yet....for whatever reason.

 

[packersfan]

He's my RB2 in a non-PPR league and after two games I have zero concerns or problems with him in that role. His receiving yardage alone is making him a viable starting option in my opinion. His Week 1 production was solid and while his Week 2 rushing production was very disappointing the fact the Saints continue to find ways to get him involved (Payton really looks like he's going to be a good head coach) is extremely encouraging.

I fully expect Bush's rushing production to improve in the weeks to come. He will not be held without a touchdown all season long and I also do not expect McAllister to make it through the season without missing a game. Given how McAllister had missed time in the seasons before his knee injury I think it's a safe bet to predict he misses at least one game and possibly more after a major injury.

The Saints are clearly going to utilize him each week and I believe he has the talent to make the most of his opportunities. I would say after two weeks he's been a solid RB2 in Week 1 for me and a decent RB3 in Week 2. Given how I expect some weeks of RB1 production (especially if McAllister misses time) I believe that when the season ends he will prove to be worth the RB2 investment I made him in my draft.

 

[abhall]

I don't understand those saying he's not a good RB. Based on what? 6 carries against Green Bay? There's no question that Bush and McAllister cut into each other's value this year, but to say Bush is not a good RB because McAllister gets most of the inside-the-tackle plays is just silly. From what I have heard the Saints have actually been impressed with Bush's strength and ability inside the tackles, but when you have Deuce there, the smart and prudent decision would be to run Deuce between the tackles and try to get Bush out into space. And let's not forget that the OL in NO is not exactly the Steelers or Bengals.I think he'll have 6-7 TDs by the end of the year, about 1300 total yards, and the roof will come off the Superdome when he scores his first NFL TD Monday night. He obviously has more value in PPR leagues (a great RB2), but he makes a nice RB3 in non-PPR leagues. In standard scoring leagues he is the #24 RB after two weeks, and in standard PPR leagues he is the #10 RB. If Bush gets 1300 total yards and 6 TDs, that's about 170 fantasy points, which last year would have put him around #15 RB. I think he'll be top 10 RB in PPR leagues.

I have him down for 1400 total yards / 7-8 TD's. He should end up with Top 20 RB's for sure, perhaps Top 15 RB. He's just going to be inconsistent in non-PPR leagues. He wouldn't be my ideal #2RB in a non-PPR league, but he'll be a great #3RB in non-PPR leagues.Keep in mind Duece is coming off major knee surgery. There is a strong possibility that he'll get hurt making Bush a RB1 in any format.

 

[PMENFAN]

Larry Centers is the best receiving running back to EVER PLAY THE GAME. I said in my post that he could very well pass his record. Why would you take that as an insult?

I'll give you most prolific. I'd say Thurmon Thomas and Marshall Faulk were both better receivers, just used in other ways in addition to receiving, with Faulk being a flat out better receiver that also ran the ball. Centers was more of a TE that lined up at FB, who on occasion whould run the ball. Centers was great at what he did, but he's not in Reggie Bush's league as an athlete, and what he can do after the catch. I see Bush eventually evolving into more of a ball carrier as well, much like Marshall was in Indi and his prime in St. Louis. A perennial 1k+ threat in the air and on the ground, not just a pass catcher. Times have also changed. The LB's and safeties responsible for covering the backs are a heck of a lot quicker now. He's the type of guy, like a Faulk that you can start in the backfield in a single back set, and sent in motion all the way out into a 4 WR set to gain a favorable matchup w/ one of your receivers. He's a modern, or future if you will, NFL weapon. One big feat I have with him, and his ability to dance is that some day he'll be dancing, and sombody is going to tee off. These are not college players anymore. One time he will take a direct shot from staying up too long. It's happened to Vick, a lot. It'll happen to Bush, maybe. I think his vision is better than Vicks, and when I think of it, I think of Barry Sanders, and a streak of not fumbling he had. When interviewing players on why he never fumbled, people would comment that the focus was merely on tackling Barry, not stripping the ball. He was that hard just to get a solid hit on that they didn't worry about trying to strip the ball. Not saying Bush is that good, yet. But, there is the potential there. Rec Yds Ypc TD'sCenters 827 6797 8.2 28Thomas 472 4458 9.4 23 Faulk 767 6875 9.0 36

 

[nwgman]

Dude, you're having a hard time wrapping your head around this. As a runner, Bush will be much, much better than Centers, who blocked more than he rushed the ball. As a receiver, Bush can aspire to someday be as good as Centers. He was the best receiving running back ever. His 826 receptions are the most by a running back in NFL history. I'm saying that Bush has a chance to be the best ever and you still take it as an insult.

As a runner, I think that he could be as good as Tiki Barber is, or as average as an Eric Metcalf. That remains to be seen.

The part of your assessment that we are all having a hard time finding credible is your assertion that Larry Centers is "the best receiving running back ever." Larry Centers may be the most prolific pass catching RB of all time, but it is just ridiculous to say he is the best of all time just because he has the MOST receptions. As far as receiving ability out of the backfield, he couldn't carry the jock strap of Roger Craig, Thurman Thomas, or Marshall Faulk and probably not Tomlinson by the time he is all finished. Having the most catches doesn't make you the best - Kerry Collins has 33,000+ career passing yards and Tom Brady has only 18,000+, so by mass quantity of passing yards, that would mean that Collins has had a better career than Brady. Karl Malone finished with more career points than Michael Jordan but no one in their right mind would say that Malone was a better scorer than MJ.

 

[Sidewinder]

I don't believe defenses will be able to take everything away from the Saints, at least not on a consistent basis, and Payton is creative enough to exploit what the D is giving up. It was blatantly obvious that Green Bay was not going to let Reggie loose in the running game, so Brees was eventually able to take advantage in the passing game. Guess my point is, I think we'll see what appears to be very erratic numbers from Bush, especially on the ground, and very much dependent on how DC's choose to go against the Saints offense.

 

[PMENFAN]

i'll tell u this... if i was a team looking for a workhorse RB i woulda took Maroney.

i just dont see Bush ever a true featured runner in the NFL

Why?

That's what I thought. I will admit that I thought that last year. But, he could easily put another 15 lbs on that frame, and not lost any quicks, IMO. I keep thinking Tiki, Dunn, Barry not that far, yet. He's definitely special, and his upside is far higher than I gave him credit for 6 months ago. Will he take Deuces job? Not in the near future, and why would they want to give it to him? Find a way to get him the ball in other ways, and keep Deuce involved. You have another weapon. But, to say that he could never be an NFL back is IMHO, not a fair statement, based on what we've seen from smaller backs, with lesser move/speed..

But you can't say that he can either, from what we have seen OF HIM and how he has been used. And if I can't even conclusively say that a guy can be an every down back, then I can't compare him to Barry Sanders or Gale Sayers. If I have a Barry or Sayers type of RB on my team then the running back that I have coming off ACL surgery is on the bench or getting traded. The average life of a RB is too short for my "stud" to not get carries. Offensive coordinators for Westbrook, Pittman and Metcalf also used them in a variety of ways because they couldn't pound the rock like you want your RB to do (even a multi-faceted back like LT is still relied on to take the rock and move the chains). Bush has not shown us that he can do that yet....for whatever reason.

I'm just saying just because he hasn't had the opportunity, or need, to show that he can do it doesn't mean he can't. We've seen LT (said he couldn't do it), Tiki (said he couldn't do it) and Dunn (said he couldn't do it) be every down backs in the NFL. It's not like Bush is a pinner dude. He's actually got a slightly bigger frame than these guys, but needs a little bit of bulk. This is a what if scenario. I was in your camp last year. I thought the razzle dazzle was fine and dandy, Peter Warrick style stuff that worked in the college game, but wouldn't fly in the NFL. I thought he'd be better than Warrick in the NFL, but that White would be the better NFL back. I have to rescind than now. I think Bush may be special, LT type of talant, and possibly even better. He seems to have rare, almost 270 degree vision. He see's hopes opening, not when they're open. He just looks like a rare talent. Add that to the speed and quickness that he brings, and he's a pretty solid physical specimen at 6' and 205. That 6' frame can carry 220 with ease as he becomes a mature man. 6' 220lbs. That's not huge, but solid.

Dunn is 5'9" 180

Tiki is 5' 10" 205

LT is 5'10" 221

It wouldn't be unprecedented. As for Deuce, the RBBC is the way to do it. Two fresh guys getting 15-25 touches, depending on the week/opponent, and what the scheme is, is what is working. Keep the guys fresh. Not what's best for the fantasy guys, but seems to be the direction of the league.

 

[JuniorNB]

i'll tell u this... if i was a team looking for a workhorse RB i woulda took Maroney.

i just dont see Bush ever a true featured runner in the NFL

Why?

That's what I thought. I will admit that I thought that last year. But, he could easily put another 15 lbs on that frame, and not lost any quicks, IMO. I keep thinking Tiki, Dunn, Barry not that far, yet. He's definitely special, and his upside is far higher than I gave him credit for 6 months ago. Will he take Deuces job? Not in the near future, and why would they want to give it to him? Find a way to get him the ball in other ways, and keep Deuce involved. You have another weapon. But, to say that he could never be an NFL back is IMHO, not a fair statement, based on what we've seen from smaller backs, with lesser move/speed..

But you can't say that he can either, from what we have seen OF HIM and how he has been used. And if I can't even conclusively say that a guy can be an every down back, then I can't compare him to Barry Sanders or Gale Sayers. If I have a Barry or Sayers type of RB on my team then the running back that I have coming off ACL surgery is on the bench or getting traded. The average life of a RB is too short for my "stud" to not get carries. Offensive coordinators for Westbrook, Pittman and Metcalf also used them in a variety of ways because they couldn't pound the rock like you want your RB to do (even a multi-faceted back like LT is still relied on to take the rock and move the chains). Bush has not shown us that he can do that yet....for whatever reason.

he's a pretty solid physical specimen at 6' and 205. That 6' frame can carry 220 with ease as he becomes a mature man. 6' 220lbs. That's not huge, but solid. Dunn is 5'9" 180

Tiki is 5' 10" 205

LT is 5'10" 221

It wouldn't be unprecedented. As for Deuce, the RBBC is the way to do it. Two fresh guys getting 15-25 touches, depending on the week/opponent, and what the scheme is, is what is working. Keep the guys fresh. Not what's best for the fantasy guys, but seems to be the direction of the league.

I'm not so sure that Bush would benefit by gaining fifteen pounds. He may weigh 205, but he has very skinny legs. He reminds me way more of Dunn in stature than he does Tiki or LT.Dunn has showed that a smallish back can get a lot of work and still stay healthy. Perhaps Bush can to. We'll know that soon enough. Perhaps he'll be used as he was in college, always platooned, but always given loads of touches with his combination of rushes/catches/and returns.

I think that gaining weight, at the risk of losing some quickness, would be a big mistake for Bush.

 

[Pied Piper]

Interesting to hear that people are saying that the guy who according to draft gurus "may be the best running back since Barry Sanders" is not that good of a running back....

I don't think it's that he is "not that good of a running back".I think it is "With Deuce on the team too they are going to use his receiving skills more than his RB skills".We won't know if he's the best RB since Barry until they actually use him as a full-time RB. And frankly I don't think they should while they have Deuce. I don't know that you gain more going from Deuce to Bush than you gain by having both active and keeping them fresh and limiting the hits they take throughout the season.

Everybody forgot about Duece. The hype surrounding Bush has been so loud and constant that it has totally morphed Duece's value as the starting running back into almost nothing.

 

[nathanbalboa]

I think this guy is going to be special. He has moves on the field that I haven't seen since Barry Sanders. The Saints are being smart and having him split time with McAllister and giving Deuce the goal line carries, which keeps Bush fresh; plus, there's no reason to rush him. With that said, Bush is already their go to guy on offense. Brees looked to him a lot during the 4th quarter of the Green Bay game and he made some big plays. I'd guess that he'll never be the guy that gets the ball on the 5 yard line and it will be rare that he gets 20+ carries in a game, but he's already a top 10 RB in a PPR league and top 15 in all others. Next year, he'll be a first round pick. The guy will post huge yardage totals over his careers (1600-2000 a season), with the possibility of 60-70 receptions a year. TD's will probably hover between 6-10, depending on how many he breaks.

 

[T Man]

My thought is that Bush will catch about 5-7 passes a game for about 30-50 yards on average. Some games he will break a big one. So in PPR leagues he is a solid RB2 and should only improve.

As for non-PPR leagues, don't expect his rushing yards to consistently be 50 yards. HE does not get that many carries. Untill he can show he can run it up the middle, whenever he is the only tailback in the backfiled teams will defense the outside looking for the stretch or swee or something of that nature. As such in normal leagues he is a RB2/RB3 on your team. He will continue to be that unless Deuce get's hurt since a majority of the "carries" will go to Deuce.

 

[JuniorNB]

My thought is that Bush will catch about 5-7 passes a game for about 30-50 yards on average. Some games he will break a big one. So in PPR leagues he is a solid RB2 and should only improve.As for non-PPR leagues, don't expect his rushing yards to consistently be 50 yards. HE does not get that many carries. Untill he can show he can run it up the middle, whenever he is the only tailback in the backfiled teams will defense the outside looking for the stretch or swee or something of that nature. As such in normal leagues he is a RB2/RB3 on your team. He will continue to be that unless Deuce get's hurt since a majority of the "carries" will go to Deuce.

There was a reason that he split carries with Lendale White at USC.

 

[Sidewinder]

... I'd guess that he'll never be the guy that gets the ball on the 5 yard line ...

Probably not often, but I suspect the get some opportunities if the past 2 weeks are any indication. In 2 games, the Saints have run 9 offensive plays inside the opponents 10 yd line, and Bush has run or been the target twice:At Clev

9 yd line - comp pass to Horn for 5 yds

7 yd line - incomp pass to Bush

4 yd line - run by Bush for 2 yds

2 yd line - run by Brees for 1 yd

2 yd line - run by McAllister for -1 yd

2 yd line - incomp pass to Colston

1 yd line - run by McAllister for -1 yd

At GB

3 yd line - incomp pass to Lawrie (TE)

3 yd line - run by McAllister for TD

 

[nathanbalboa]

QUOTE(nathanbalboa @ Sep 19 2006, 12:35 PM) ... I'd guess that he'll never be the guy that gets the ball on the 5 yard line ...Probably not often, but I suspect the get some opportunities if the past 2 weeks are any indication. In 2 games, the Saints have run 9 offensive plays inside the opponents 10 yd line, and Bush has run or been the target twice:At Clev9 yd line - comp pass to Horn for 5 yds7 yd line - incomp pass to Bush4 yd line - run by Bush for 2 yds2 yd line - run by Brees for 1 yd2 yd line - run by McAllister for -1 yd2 yd line - incomp pass to Colston1 yd line - run by McAllister for -1 ydAt GB3 yd line - incomp pass to Lawrie (TE)3 yd line - run by McAllister for TD

Interesting...I had only seen the GB game. This just increases his value.

 

[Hellfire Snail]

My 1st impression and still my only impression:He's only valuable in PPR. period.

To say he will be like Larry Centers or no better than Westbrook, after two games, is just as foolhardy as saying he is the second coming before donning an NFL jersey. He has shown his talent and explosiveness at the NFL level so far, and that's what's important.

Larry Centers is the best receiving running back to EVER PLAY THE GAME. I said in my post that he could very well pass his record. Why would you take that as an insult?Also, Brian Westbrook is a very good NFL running back.The only people who would consider those comparisons to be insults are the fools who bought into all the ESPN hype that he is the next Gale Sayers or Barry Sanders.

Larry Centers is not the best receiving RB ever. Maybe the best receiving fullback, but I think it is a stretch to call him the best ever.And, to compare Reggie Bush to Larry Centers is an insult. The man never ran for more than 400 yds in a season. Only had one season with more than 2 rushing TDs. If the Saints, or anyone else thought that Larry Centers was the upside of Reggie Bush, I can guarantee you he wouldn't have been drafted in the first round.Larry Centers?? Man

Dude, you're having a hard time wrapping your head around this. As a runner, Bush will be much, much better than Centers, who blocked more than he rushed the ball. As a receiver, Bush can aspire to someday be as good as Centers. He was the best receiving running back ever. His 826 receptions are the most by a running back in NFL history. I'm saying that Bush has a chance to be the best ever and you still take it as an insult. As a runner, I think that he could be as good as Tiki Barber is, or as average as an Eric Metcalf. That remains to be seen.

I'm am heavily, heavily insulted. Please stop insulting both Bush and myself. :(

 

[cstu]

Bush is a borderline #2/#3 in non-PPR (#25 RB), but a bonafide stud in PPR (#10 RB). Without a Deuce injury, I think he finishes #20-25 in non-PPR and stays in the top 10 in PPR.

 

[The Jerk]

The most insightful part of this thread is the last three words of its title... "AFTER TWO GAMES"

Might want to let Bush play a little bit longer before we judge his first season, let alone his career.