There are many things I’m looking forward to in the 2009 New Orleans Saints season. A playoff berth, winning the NFC South, etc. Getting down to the nitty gritty though, I’m really looking forward to finding out if the Saints can generate a rushing game even remotely as effective as the passing game has been.
For all his contributions, and all the fanfare, Reggie Bush has not been the all around magic man he was built up to be. And that’s not his fault. The media and our own outlandish dreams conspired to make Bush the answer to all our problems. He is obviously great in space, running around the corners, and a major element in the Saints passing game. That would be enough to make most players seem elite. And it should do the same for Reggie Bush.
Eventually though, a consistent NFL rushing game will have to have someone that can move the pile with pure power. For all his speed Reggie Bush is not a power guy. In 2009 that job looks to fall to Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell. Thomas has pretty much been growing into his role. He played well last season given the opportunity. For 2009 Thomas comes into the season knowing what his role is to be. He’s bulked up in the weight room and should be the battering ram the Saints need. Mike Bell didn’t see a lot of playing time last season. Finally healthy, Bell is the kind of runner, along with Thomas, who can be used to run out the clock or get tough short yardage.
My biggest question is in the release of fullbak Mike Karney. If there was a dropoff in his play I didn’t see it. Saints ticket holders will also recall his three-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys in prime time in 2007. New fullback Heath Evans, in my opinion, isn’t much of an upgrade bit I’m hoping to be proven wrong.
