Saints’ Bush throws a stiff-arm at critics

By Adam Sweeney  |   Tuesday, September 23, 2008  |  Comments( 5 )

New Orleans Saints
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In 2006, the hype surrounding Reggie Bush's entrance into the NFL was unprecedented. As a result of his so-so two-year performance leading into the current campaign, the word "bust" had been whispered all offseason to describe the former No. 2 overall pick. However, Bush is doing all he can to ensure that critics don't kick dirt on his grave just yet.

Commentary: Admit it, you laughed when the Houston Texans drafted defensive end Mario Williams ahead of Bush, whom the Saints selected next. I know I did. "He may be the next Gayle Sayers," I told friends about Bush. Three years removed from that statement, as well as two seasons that had Bush fans backtracking like Michael Jackson doing the moonwalk, the ex-USC star is finding his comfort zone in the NFL.

Bush has been the most dangerous playmaker on what was, before a blitzkrieg of injuries, arguably the most talented offense in the league. His 402 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns this year have done a lot to keep the skeptics off his back. Bush has shown a knack for finding room to run more often this season, something he wasn't able to do when given the task of carrying the load last year after Deuce McAllister got hurt. Bush's greatest test will come now that the Saints' offense is missing injured standouts Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey, both of whom will be out for a while, or a fully recovered McAllister -- who's still trying to rebound from last year's torn ACL.

Fan Pulse: The hyperbole machine is back on track for Bush, as one fan on ESPN.com is proclaiming him to be the greatest receiving running back ever: http://boards.espn.go.com/boards/mb/mb?sport=nfl&id=nor&tid=3482797&lid=10.

Fantasy Football Commentary: While many people passed up Bush like a hitchhiker on the side of the road in fantasy drafts, those who took a chance are reaping benefits. Bush is a double threat and is racking up tons of receiving yards. Where he once was a potential bench guy, Bush is now a must-play everywhere -- especially points-per-reception leagues.

Injury Watch: Shockey just underwent sports-hernia surgery that will keep him out up to six weeks, so that adds more weight to Bush's back.
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About Adam Sweeney

Adam Sweeney spent 4 years as an opinions and arts & entertainment columnist with the Lone Star Lutheran, also working with Sports Illustrated.com. Along with his work on Realfootball 365 he currently is a contributor for Film School Rejects, SLAM Online, Talkhoops.net, and C-Heads ...
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