Saint Reggie says coming to N.O. 'a blessing'
Sunday, October 22, 2006
By Mike Triplett

Six games into his NFL career, Reggie Bush is still seeking a breakout performance and his first offensive touchdown.

But he's not disappointed, and he's certainly not bored.

It helps that the Saints are off to a 5-1 start. It helps even more that Bush is the most versatile piece in Coach Sean Payton's complex and creative offensive puzzle.

"I'm very excited," Bush said of his triple-threat role of runner/receiver/returner. "I think everything is good right now. I'm happy. I feel like they're giving me an opportunity to just go out and make plays. Putting me in space and putting me in situations where I'm mismatched with a linebacker or whatever.

"I like this offense. It's definitely been a blessing coming here."

As a tailback, Bush hasn't been very productive yet, rushing 65 times for 195 yards, an average of 3 yards per carry.

As a punt returner, he experienced some early frustrations before a dramatic 65-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter lifted the Saints to victory over Tampa Bay two weeks ago at the Superdome.

As a receiver, Bush is doing his most damage while flirting with NFL history.

Bush has 38 receptions, tied for third in the league this year. Only one player in NFL history had more receptions in the first six games of his career, when Arizona's Anquan Boldin caught 39 passes in 2003.

Boldin finished with 101 that year, the all-time NFL record for a rookie. That's a lofty goal for Bush, but not one he's focused on right now.

"I want to win a Super Bowl," Bush said. "All the accolades and everything that comes with it, that's fine. I've never been a big stat guy. For me, the only goal in mind is just to win a Super Bowl."

Bush, who shares the backfield with starting tailback Deuce McAllister, lines up more often as a receiver than a runner. Sometimes he starts out wide or in the slot. Other times, he lines up in the backfield, then goes in motion.

He has been particular valuable on third downs, catching dumpoff passes in short-yardage situations or using his speed to gain an extra few yards to reach the chains on third-and-long.

Bush also has been valuable as a decoy. Defenses clearly have focused on him, over-pursuing at times because he is such a breakaway threat. As a result, guys like McAllister and receivers Joe Horn and Marques Colston have been able to make big plays.

So far, Bush has embraced his role. And Payton said he has not felt any pressure to create more opportunities for the Heisman Trophy-winning rookie.

"There's enough formation, play design, play type on his plate that I don't think we're ever losing his interest," Payton said. "There's a ton of different positions we're putting him in. He's still a running back first, and we'll continue to work on his touches behind center. But each game presents a type of challenge with regards to the balance that you have, whether you're throwing it or running it.

"As long as you feel like as a play-caller, he's actively involved in changing field position and what you're doing. Last week he was (against Philadelphia). I think so far, being multiple enough to have him involved in not only the passing game but the running game and special teams is something we've tried to do."

Read more at the Nola

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January
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• Reggie Bush Fined $5,000 for Taunting
• Super Bowl XLI Preview
• Reggie Bush Pays 5 Million for Hollywood Hills Home
• Reggie Bush Admits �I'm a Bush!�
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December
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October
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September
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August
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• Saints Vs Titans Preseason Opener
• College Football Preview, Pac 10 - USC Trojans
• NCAA Football Preview
• NFL Rookies
• Reggie Bush Struggles in First Scrimmage
•2006 Reggie Bush News
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