How much does the addition of Reggie Bush benefit the Detroit Lions?

The Detroit Lions, in recent years, have been one of the most prolific passing attacks in the whole of the NFL. However, they have been seriously hampered by their inability to run the ball. They seemed to be set to have a moderately effective running game when they drafted the dynamic Jahvid Best with the 30th overall pick in the 2010 draft. Unfortunately, a number of concussions have set Best back dramatically and have led many to question whether he will ever play another down of football. In a blockbuster move they managed to acquire the services of former Dolphins and Saints running back, the electric Reggie Bush. This was a vital move for the Lions, as it has managed to provide them with something that resembles a solid running game, which in turn should benefit the offense greatly as it will remove defensive focus from their superstar wide receiver, Calvin Johnson. Hopefully, this will allow Matt Stafford to utilise his record setting wide receiver to an even greater extent and ensure that he gets more touches.

Reggie Bush adds a number of important things to the Lions offense, speed, the ability to run the ball outside the tackles, and a dangerous threat in the passing game. His speed is so important because it allows him to escape and bounce run plays to the outside. In recent years in Detroit, there has been a serious lack of this capability, most recently with the trio of running backs that they used last year (Mikel Leshoure, Kevin Smith, and Joique Bell). All of these backs work inside the offensive tackles, running into the heart of the defense and picking up hard yards on every carry. Bell showed the most promise, coming along nicely towards the end of the season, and even managing to show a few promising flashes. This was most evident when he broke off a 67 yard dash against the Colts, an outstanding run that was ultimately the longest of the season for the Lions, showcasing his ability to read defenders, make people miss, and, most importantly, show that he does have breakaway speed. Another interesting statistic that should be noted is that Bell was the only back in Detroit to even post a carry over 20 yards - Smith made it to 19 and Leshoure to 16. These numbers just help to highlight the inability of the Detroit running game to pick up large chunks of yardage. If Bush can show that he is capable of carrying the majority of the load then we should expect to see Bell sharing the rest of the carries. The only worry that may arise from this situation are questions about Bush staying healthy for the entire season. Even with the recent encouragement of the past two seasons, where he played all but a single game, he has spent previous years seriously hampered by nagging injuries.

Another factor that Bush adds to the Lions offense is his threat in the passing game and his ability to make plays on special teams. There have been countless occasions in the NFL when a huge special teams play has helped to turn a game around or increase a lead (the most recent being the huge kickoff return in Superbowl XLVII by Jacoby Jones). Bush had a number of key punt and kick returns during his time with the New Orleans Saints, which ultimately brought him into the national spotlight. If he can be used effectively on special teams in Detroit his reputation as one of best playmakers in the game will continue to grow. Since the start of his career, Bush has had all the tools for success, but until now he hasn't fully capitalised on his opportunities. If he is given the opportunity to return punts and kicks that is a sign that the Lions hope that he can provide some much needed energy for their special teams. Fans can also expect to see Bush's superb catching abilitt in the passing game. Not only does he possess the ability to take a screen pass the distance but he can also line up as a wide receiver if need be, which gives the Lions multiple options when they are deciding how best to use his unique talents to threaten opposing defenses.

Another component is the rotation of defensive coverage away from the Lions superstar Calvin Johnson with the addition of Reggie Bush. After his record-breaking season, Calvin Johnson will undoubtedly receive even more defensive attention than ever before. If the Lions want to continue to use him as effectively as possible, they need to find formations and plays that utilise Bush while also giving Johnson the potential for big plays. This will force defensive coordinators to rotate some of their coverage to stop Bush from a big play, however, when they do this it will open up the field for Johnson and allow him to be much more effective. As long as they can find some way of ensuring that the aptly nicknamed "Megatron" can stay as equally prolific as he was last year then the Lions should expect to improve upon their disappointing record of 4-12 in 2012. They may even push for a playoff spot, but with the Packers at the forefront of the NFC North, they will have a tough fight to clinch a wild card spot in the post season.

The Lions have to make sure that they use Bush effectively, or they will continue to struggle and fall below their expectations. On the flip side, their defense is an entirely different matter that can be explored in another post. If Bush can stay healthy for the entire season, and Calvin Johnson maintains his prolific form, then there is no reason why they shouldn't make the playoffs.