Why Reggie Bush Could Be Key to the Miami Dolphins Success in 2011

With both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams no longer in the Miami Dolphins backfield, the pressure to carry the Fins ground attack is on recently-acquired running back Reggie Bush.

Bush was traded to the Dolphins from the New Orleans Saints in late July, which lead to Brown, and eventually Williams, signing elsewhere.

Both backs combined for 359 carries in 2010, more than 80 percent of Miami's rushing plays, and Bush only has 524 carries in his entire five-year NFL career.

Distressing news for the Miami Dolphins offensive coaching staff, who, besides Bush, have only three-year veterans Lex Hilliard and Kory Sheets, as well as rookies Daniel Thomas and Nic Grigsby, to put in behind Chad Henne.

But instead of seeing Reggie Bush and the running back situation in South Beach as a problem, look at it as a solution.

A solution to the terrible quarterback play that has kept the Dolphins stuck in 7-9 mediocrity the last two seasons.

No, Bush can't handle the wear and tear of 300 carries in 2011, but Bush can be a much more effective receiver than Brown or Williams out of the backfield.

Bush has more receiving yards (2,142) than rushing yards (2,090) in his five career NFL seasons, and has scored 12 of his 33 career touchdowns through the air.

Don't underestimate Bush's impact in the return game either, he scored 15 percent of the time on punt returns in 2008 with the Saints, and has four career punt return touchdowns.

Bush is a better athlete than Brown or Williams and athleticism translates to the running back position.

Bush averaged 5.6 yards per carry and 7.1 yards per catch with the Saints in 2009, when the team won Super Bowl XLIV in where else, Miami.

Bush is a playmaker, which separates him from Brown, Williams and most NFL running backs.

His time in New Orleans was short, and his impact on the Super Bowl champions is largely underrated.

Teams can't punt the ball to the Dolphins the way they normally would with Bush back to return, and that's just the beginning.

Bush will keep linebackers on their heels, and opposing special teams coaches sweating.

The Miami Dolphins need change in 2011. Bush will bring just that in the South Beach backfield.

Patrick Clarke is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke