Saints, Bush must avoid lengthy holdout

By Connor Byrne | Friday, July 21, 2006 | ( 15 )

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With New Orleans Saints training camp just a week away, it appears their top pick, running back Reggie Bush, will not make it on time. Unfortunately, Bush is seeking No. 1 pick money, even though he was the second overall selection. In fairness to Bush, he probably should have been the highest overall choice, but the Houston Texans opted for defensive end Mario Williams instead, which led to the Saints taking advantage of it and grabbing last year's Heisman Trophy winner.

In New Orleans, the 6-0, 200-pounder will team with veteran back Deuce McAllister to form what should be the best rushing tandem in the National Football League. Because the rookie will be so important to the Saints' offense, there's no reason for owner Tom Benson to drag his feet on getting a deal done. The electric Bush is simply too important for the future of the organization to sit at home rather than heading for camp with his teammates.

Bush's biggest impact in Louisiana will lie in his ability to sell tickets. The former Southern California star was unquestionably the most exciting player in college football the last two years, which makes him a major boon for New Orleans.

For those who have been living under a rock for the last 10 months, the city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina last September, and that drew speculation that the Saints' future in the "Big Easy" was in severe doubt. However, the skilled Bush would have an opportunity to not only revitalize a struggling franchise, but bring in a great fan base, too.

Without Bush in the fold, the Saints' offense has some nice weapons, but it's far less enticing. On the other hand, having the runner/receiver/punt returner dressed and ready makes the offense flat-out scary.

If he turns into the player most believe he'll be, Bush will open up the Saints' passing game, led by quarterback Drew Brees and receiver Joe Horn, and make the ground game nearly impossible to stop for opposing defenses. Stymieing McAllister--a perennial 1,000-yard rusher--has been tough enough for New Orleans' adversaries over the past few years, but it would become even more difficult to contain the 233-pound bruiser with Bush helping to take the pressure off him.

Undoubtedly, the New Orleans Saints' fans are hoping against hope that Tom Benson and his front office do what it takes to avoid a long holdout with their 21-year-old rookie. Missing a great deal of camp could greatly hinder Bush's rookie season, as it did with Cedric Benson, the fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft, of the Chicago Bears.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

For more interesting analysis on Reggie Bush and other rookies, keep visiting Realfootball365.com

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Comments: 15 | Sign Up View all comments


	No.1 David Sargee	07:40 PM 07/21/2006

	No doubt about Bush's importance, but, he needs to be reasonable about his demands, too. You can't just blame Benson if there is...


	No.2 Ray	11:16 PM 07/21/2006

	Tom Benson can not pay Reggie Bush as the first pick in the draft - he wasn't. If Reggie acts the child and holds out that's on...


	No.3 negative_optimist	07:22 AM 07/22/2006

	reggie is no ordinary draft pick. this isn't jonathan sullivan trying to milk the cow. reggie has too much personal pride to be...