Reggie Bush and the hype machine
No one had more hype coming out of college than Reggie Bush. In both real and fantasy football, he was simply overrated.
My, how the times have changed. In the mad dash to pick up Mike Bell and get injury updates from Pierre Thomas’ twitter page, Bush has become the forgotten man - a very weird title for a guy that dated a girl with a sex tape.
Bell is going to have a very good game this week. He’ll get at least 15 carries and the goal-line work. But there’s enough room for Bush to have an excellent game as well. He’s actually healthy right now, something we won’t be able to say for long.
According to the New Orleans Times- Picayune, Bush figures that right now, he’s the healthiest he has been since Week 7 of last season. That was when he tore his meniscus during a punt return against the Panthers.
Let’s take a quick look at what kind of workload Bush had last season before that Week 7 injury:
Week 1: 14 caries, 8 receptions
Week 2: 10 carries, 7 receptions
Week 3: 18 carries, 11 receptions
Week 4: 10 carries, 5 receptions
Week 5: 12 carries, 7 receptions
Week 6: 14 carries, 3 receptions
That workload led to Bush being the No. 1 back in PPR leagues at the time of his injury.
Bush also scored five touchdowns in that stretch. Yeah, he’s not a great runner as he averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry in those games. But give him 14 carries and seven catches, and Bush will have a productive game. He’s obviously much better in a PPR league, but even in standard scoring leagues he’s flying under the radar a little.
The perception of Bush has changed dramatically since 2006 when the Texans correctly passed on Bush in favor of Mario Williams. Now he’s a post-hype kind of guy. And that might be a better role for a player that has always had all the hype.
Comments
requisite r.bush hype post. im sure will have another one at this time next year
Posted by: scott c | September 11, 2009 11:36 AM
Opinion of P. Thomas' long term health: keep Bell as a handcuff or sell high after this weekend?
Thanks
Posted by: Rick | September 11, 2009 12:53 PM
Bush is a huge value where he is going in ppr leagues. Talk about a high upside flex guy. Doesn't get any better in the 4th- 7th round where i've snapped him up several times. Do I expect him to suddenly rush for 100 and 2 tds? Not even close, but I expect him to catch 5+ balls every game he's healthy for, and put together close to 100 all purpose yards.
Posted by: josh | September 11, 2009 01:22 PM
I thought for sure reggie bush was going to be great in the nfl. I was amazed that he did not go first. Wow was I wrong. Think texans made the right choice. Bush will never be an every down back. He is how ever the best third down back I have ever seen. I thought he was going to become a featured back for sure and not a compliment guy. Bush is going to get hurt. These guys will be attacking that knee. I know mike bell is intruiging but I am so not sold on this guy. I thought he was going to be great in denver also. He could not beat out tatum bell or peyton hillis. I just am not sold on him. I think brees is going to throw like crazy. THey are stacked in the passing game. The one thing going for bell is he will get touches. May be goal line. I think they will pass more near goal line. I just do not think they stick with him all year. I believe they either trade for someone or pick up someone like T.J. Duckett who is available if thomas and bush go down. This week he has potential but that is about it in my mind. I do not see him going ccrazy either he just is not that good.
Posted by: Jacob | September 11, 2009 03:07 PM
"Mike bell couldn't beat out Hillis" if I'm not mistaken hillis was a rookie last year and bell wasn't a bronco by then. Bell was a good back and now hes rededicated himself by getting into the best shape he's been in. its not like the guys gonna see any 8 man fronts. hell most of his carries will probably come against nickel coverage. he'll be productive aslong as he gets carries.
Posted by: mark in mi | September 11, 2009 05:20 PM
Odd...Rotoworld hates Reggie Bush? I never made the connection.
Next I will hear that they hate LenDale White and love Chris Johnson.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 11, 2009 08:28 PM
Bell was on the broncos last year. Doesn't it take dedictation and hard work to make it to the NFL. The thing he is lacking is talent. he was on there roster las season. The guy is a bumb. If you are relying on him in any way shape or form it sounds like you are in trouble to me. He is still on my waiver wire. The guy is a bum plain and simple.
Posted by: Jacob | September 12, 2009 12:46 AM