Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Reggie Bush has been pushing to be the go-to-guy in the NFL ever since he was a second overall pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2006. Despite being such a high pick, the former Heisman trophy winner has never lived up to the immense hype he created during his college days.
During this past offseason, after a solid year with the Miami Dolphins, Bush decided to test the free agency waters and ended up choosing to take his talents to the Detroit Lions. Their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings today proved how good of a move that was for a struggling Lions team.
The Lions defeated the Vikings 34-24, and Bush showed the skill set that made him such a hot commodity out of college, as well as showing how perfectly his skill set fits the high-powered Lions’ offense.
Bush affected the game both on the ground and in the passing game, leading the team with both. He had 21 carries for 90 yards, including a run that appeared to be a touchdown, but was just inches short. He also had four receptions for 101 yards, including a 77 yard touchdown reception late in the third quarter that gave the Lions a 10 point lead.
Bush’s versatile style of play fits perfectly with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan‘s high-powered spread attack; he is also a perfect complement to star receiver Calvin Johnson, because they will both distract attention from one another. Bush provides a rushing threat that the Lions haven’t had since Jahvid Best, and this will free Johnson up. With Johnson on the outside, Bush will have less defenders in the box and can find more seams to break long runs, as well as split out as a receiver and be effective with quick hitter pass plays.
The electric play of Bush kept the Lions in a game which otherwise saw the Lions play very sloppily, with many turnovers and costly penalties. Still, a win is a win, and the Lions are 1-0.
Matthew Stafford threw for 357 yards and two touchdowns, and Johnson had four receptions for 37 yards. The Lions gave up only 93 yards to Adrian Peterson, with 78 coming on one play.
The Lions will travel to Phoenix to take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.
Erik Sargent is a football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Erik_Sargent, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
