NFC South -- [1] New Orleans Saints
Bush Gets Back His Running Mate
Reggie Bush, above, was forced to carry the load last year after Deuce McAllister went down with an injury.
(By Chris Graythen -- Getty Images)
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By definition, a complementary running back is most effective when he has another backfield mate to, you know, complement. Thus, Reggie Bush found himself in a predicament after Deuce McAllister suffered a season-ending knee injury in the third game of the 2007 season.
Suddenly thrust into a workhorse role, the 203-pound Bush struggled to produce the same numbers he did in his 2006 rookie year and remain healthy at the same time. Though he missed the final four games last season with a knee injury, Bush led the Saints with 581 rushing yards and caught 73 passes.
With McAllister expected back in the lineup this season, Bush's rushing attempts per game should decrease while his production carrying and receiving the ball should increase. If Bush or McAllister falter or succumb to another injury, the Saints may have found another suitable back. In New Orleans's final regular season game of 2007, Pierre Thomas gained 105 rushing yards and 121 receiving yards in his first career start.
Throwing the ball to Bush, Thomas and the team's other receivers will be Drew Brees, who set an NFL single-season record last year with 440 completions. Brees completed 67.5 percent of his passes and threw for 28 touchdowns in 2007, though he also tossed 18 interceptions.
New: Jeremy Shockey
Acquired from the Giants in July, he provides an upgrade at tight end, and his attitude should infuse the offense with a little more emotion.
-- Steve Yanda
