Reggie Bush: Hit Or Miss By The Saints?

In 2006 a new star was on the horizon in the NFL.

Reggie Bush, USC's highlight reel, was taking his high-flying circus act to the professional level.

The same Bush who ran with the reckless abandon a 10-year old employs in a game of Madden, would be taking it to the likes of Ray Lewis and Brian Dawkins.

Analysts across the country agreed. Bush was declared to be the top prospect in the 2006 NFL draft, and was the can't-miss phenom who would instantly make his mark in the NFL.

Bush went number two to the New Orleans Saints and is now entering his fourth season in the league.

Thus far, some are labeling Bush a disappointment and even a bust. Looking at his rushing totals, many would agree with this assessment.

In three seasons, Bush has rushed for 1550 yards on 418 attempts. That's a meager 3.7 yards per carry to go along with just 12 rushing touchdowns.

Not exactly inspiring numbers from the so-called next Gale Sayers.

However, Bush has a lot working against him.

Entering the NFL draft in 2006, Bush had his flaws, but the media hype surrounding him clouded the perception of Bush. He had the "Youtube" highlights, the persona, and the championships. He was a hotbed for endorsements, complete with 6-pack abs and a dashing smile.

In a word, he was over-hyped. People failed to see the shortcomings in Bush's game.

First, he split carries with Lendale White. Bush had never taken the punishment of a feature back in college. White was always there to share the load.

Add to this the fact that Bush didn't possess the frame to be a between-the-tackles runner, and you have a major question mark.

Second, people failed to realize that Bush's style of running didn't fit the NFL. Defenses were too fast to give up a ton of east-west rushing yards. Bush's undisciplined style wasn't going to change the NFL; the NFL was going to change Bush's style.

Bush learned that the hard way in his rookie year as he rushed for just 565 yards with a mere 3.6 yards per catch (YPC).

Even after he tried to adapt his game, Bush couldn't cut it as a between-the-tackles runner. He improved to an extent (404 rushing yards in 2008 in just 10 games for a 3.8 YPC average), but he still has a long way to go considering expectations.

Despite this overwhelming evidence that Bush hasn't panned out in the NFL, there's another factor to consider.

Bush has developed into more of a pass catcher. In fact, he may very well be the best pass catching back in the NFL.

In 2006, Bush caught 88 passes for 742 yards and two TDs. In 2007, Bush snagged 73 balls for 417 yards and two TDs. Last year, in ten games, Bush had 52 receptions for 440 yards and four TDs.

So Bush really made his mark in the passing game. That's not what was expected when he came into the NFL, but it's definitely been a positive in his career.

In addition, Bush has returned punts since entering the league.

In his rookie season, Bush had an abysmal 7.7 yards per return and one TD. He ranked 44th that season.

In 2007, Bush didn't return punts, but in 2008 he emerged as a special-teams threat. Bush was ninth with a 13.5-yard average per return and a whopping three TDs.

Looking at Bush's stats, he was poised to have his best season in 2008 but an injury sidelined him for six games.

Here are the projected stats had Bush played in every game (actual stats in parentheses):

172 carries (106), 644 rushing yards (404), three rushing TDs (two), 82 receptions (52), 704 receiving yards (440), six receiving TDs (four).

He posted the highest average yards per carry and catch in his career. He also notched a career high in receiving TDs and would have set a career high in rushing yards.

The numbers still don't seem to merit a number two selection in the draft so what's the verdict, hit or miss?

Bush was miscast as the next Barry Sanders. The NFL world bought into the hype and failed to realize Bush was far from an every down back.

Bush was never going to win the all-time rushing title, but people certainly made him out to be that rusher.

The real Bush?

He's a great athlete who is an excellent change-of-pace back. He works well in certain situations and can line up all over the field. He returns punts and makes plays.

However, he isn't a consistent threat. He will never be a great between-the-tackles runner. That may very well lead some people to label him a bust.

Those people are the ones who expected too much out of Bush. They believe he hasn't lived up to his potential, but what they fail to see is that he never had the potential to be a feature back.

Bush's status as a hit or miss is all about perception. I expected him to do what he is doing, so I can't truly label him as a bust. He isn't a disappointment in my eyes, save for the fact he was drafted too high. He's giving exactly what I thought he would give.

Now is his style worth the high draft choice?

Not to me as I would prefer a feature back, but I'm sure I could find someone who would value his style of play more than I would.

Final analysis: Bush was drafted too high, but he still possessed first round value. His production doesn't merit the number two choice, but his impact on the field is still a positive one.