Reggie Bush-Instagram
The Detroit Lions are currently stacked on the Offensive side of the ball. The selection of North Carolina star, Eric Ebron out of this year’s draft as well as bringing over Golden Tate from the Seattle Seahawks has bolstered this once struggling unit. There is now more to consider, when game-planning this Offense other than Calvin Johnson. And that was just in reference to the weapons in the air. The ground game for Detroit is notable as well, with Joique Bell providing depth in the RB slot which already has a talented Reggie Bush as a starter. So with all of this fire-power, where does Bush best fit in?
The former USC Trojan had a solid year last season, topping the 1000-yd mark for only the second time in his career with 223/1006/6 TDs in 2013. Additionally Bush had a great deal to do with the receiving game as well, racking up 54/506/3 TDs. With those stats, it appears that the young man is finally rising to the level of play that everyone had imagined since his time at USC. Sure, the stats aren’t eye-popping; however, he is now in a system where he is utilized in the receiving game more. This system resonates best with him and the team, because Bell is able to spell with him on carries and provide Bush with opportunities to catch the ball from the slot. We all know how dangerous Bush is in open space and the addition of all the new weapons will give him that opportunity. Another contributing factor to Bush’s transition to more of a receiving role, other than the obvious missing third receiver on the depth chart is the acquisition of new OC, former New Orleans Saints’ QB Coach, Joe Lombardi.
Lombardi and Bush have a history of working together from 2007-2010. Bush is familiar with the system that Lombardi is bringing up from “The Boot”. Lombardi’s system is one that will line players up in different positions all over the field. If you don’t believe me, take a look at the 2013 Saints’ Offense; Players were constantly switched in and out. Lombardi is bringing the same scheme to Detroit. I’d imagine Bush having a more productive “Dexter McCluster” type role in this new scheme. Either way, Matt Stafford has to be smiling from ear-to-ear with excitement. In an NFL.com interview Stafford said:
“There was so much uncertainty, just trying to figure out how we’d run this offense…I just wanted to make sure that once we started playing and practicing, I was as well equipped and well prepared as I could be.”
Lombardi’s Offense will not be a cakewalk to learn but once the Lions have it down we can be sure there will be even more production. So while Bush may not be carrying the ball as much, you can rest assured that he will be on the field even more this season.
Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.