Reggie, Reggie!

Reggie Bush is a prime example of how the media can create a monster.

The #2 pick overall in the 2006 draft was called everything from the “new OJ” to “Superman” and everything in between coming out of USC.

The talking heads can do that – create such high expectations that make it next to impossible for that player to reach the bar. They did it with Michael Vick when he came out of Virginia Tech and followed the same template when talking about Reggie Bush.

We liked Reggie coming out of college but questioned if he could carry the heavy load a #2 overall pick (running back) would be required to handle to be worthy of that choice.

As a rookie, the reviews were mixed. He didn’t find the end zone until week #7 while also providing a handful of exceptional athletic highlights before the season ended. His team had a tremendous year – but it wasn’t because of Reggie. He was what we would call a “good supporting actor” on a very good offense.

To his defense, Bush was never given enough touches every week from the tailback position to show if he was worthy of the #2 overall pick. They lined him up everywhere “looking for mismatches” we were told. His defenders stated he wasn’t built to carry it 25 times a games. Plus, the Saints already had an established NFL quality back who needed his touches.

Fine. I can buy some of that, but not all of it - not at the financial investment required for a #2 overall pick. It's all about getting value for your pick.

Coming out of college, we had seen enough of Bush to call him a bigger version of Eric Metcalf. That's not bad for those of you who remember Metcalf. He did eventually have more success as that slot receiver/third down back than he did as a running back.

But Bush is bigger and stronger than Metcalf was. And after Deuce MacAllister’s season-ending injury on Monday night, the Saints sit at 0-3 and are desperate for someone to rescue their season.

Here’s a novel idea – give the ball to “Superman.”

The Saints should RB in the backfield and give him his 25 touches every week for the next 13 weeks. That’s 325 opportunities to prove the Saints got real value at #2.

Here's hoping Bush finally gets a chance to show what he can do and goes off.

That would be good for Reggie, good for the city of New Orleans and good for the NFL.