Bush readying for carry increase
Sean Payton was asked Wednesday if Aaron Stecker would take over Deuce McAllister's role in the offense, and Peyton made it clear that wouldn't be the case. Reggie Bush will pick up most of the running workload.
"Reggie will get more carries. Stecker will be involved and Pierre Thomas will be involved, but you'll see Reggie get more handoffs."
Peyton was later asked whether they would use Brian Westbrook as a model and said Bush could expect to see 18-20 carries a game.
We'll have a chance to see Reggie from the running back position more consistently. Not exclusively, though; there are some things that we want to do with him that we've done in the past, so that's the mindset. From a numbers standpoint, you're still looking at a similar number of touches but maybe not as many receptions and some more carries - 18 to 20. We're not going to sit there and hand it to him 35 times though. We're not going to do that. Aaron is someone that has a lot of experience and someone that is durable and dependable. Pierre Thomas is someone that we're not afraid to play. You'll see those three guys in some way, shape, or form and we'll see how it goes.
None of what Peyton is saying is surprising. But it should be a splash of cold water to those who expect Stecker to be a consistent fantasy option. Once again, we like Thomas as a deep league flier.
Comments
It won't matter much how many carries Bush gets until Brees and that offense show the ability to become more vertical.
Posted by: Nathan | October 3, 2007 05:40 PM
I am more inclined to start willie parker vs seahawks or ronnie brown vs texans instead of using reggie bush this week. bush needs to prove himself. and brees needs to show that he wont turnover the ball 5 times and lose 5 offensive drive opportunities for bush
Posted by: jonjonmackey | October 3, 2007 06:16 PM
As a Brees owner I agree that a lot of this has to fall on the passing game to keep drives moving. How big of a loss is Joe Horn to this receiving corp?
I know he is old but it seems like this place fell apart after he left. Seems like the young guys could have used him at least one more year.
Posted by: Beau | October 3, 2007 07:21 PM
The three biggest problems for the Saints so far have been, in order:
1. The o-line's atrocious play
2. Drew Brees' sudden bout with ineptitude
3. Not pounding the run enough.
There's a lot of talk about how the receivers aren't good or how the saints were trying too hard to manufacture touches for Bush. Well, Brees wasn't exactly throwing to Harrison and Wayne last year (or in San Diego) and forcing carries on Bush wouldn't be a problem if he would just put his head down and take a 2-3 yard gain once in a while.
I honestly think that if the line gets it together, the rest will begin to fall into place.
As for Horn leaving, I think it's great. But that's because I am a Falcons fan and I can't help but think he has a lot to do with the development of Jenkins and White, even though he's not doing much on the field.
Posted by: MF Duke | October 3, 2007 08:01 PM
I think it's because Sean Payton has been exposed. Remember, Jim Fassel had to take over the playcalling for him in NY a few years back.
Posted by: jmp14 | October 3, 2007 10:18 PM
sed benson is da stick a butter
Posted by: Anonymous | October 3, 2007 11:44 PM
I think the line needs to do better but getting away from the run hurts, Bush is bigger than some think, he has beefed up some since college, He is a homerun waiting to happen. Payton got a little cocky from last year and teams watched tape. Trick Plays isnt gonna work all the time. Pound the rock then play action
Posted by: Logan | October 3, 2007 11:46 PM