While playing with a receiver like Calvin Johnson is unique because of the way he draws the defense’s attention, playing in a high-powered passing offense isn’t unique for Reggie Bush. HC Jim Schwartz told Jim Rome that his plan for Bush goes back to the way Bush was used early in his career as a Saint, rather than the way he was used in the last two seasons in Miami.
“Our plan for him is a little bit different than that, maybe going back to a little more the way he was used with the New Orleans Saints,” Schwartz. “We think he can have a greater impact on the game when we give him the ball on his terms, on our terms, rather than running the ball into hard 8 boxes.”
The difference between the role Bush has played in those two offenses is significant: In Bush’s two seasons in Miami he averaged 222 carries and 39 catches a season. In Bush’s five seasons in New Orleans he averaged 105 carries and 59 catches a season. Bush has proven in the last two seasons that he can be the primary every-down back in an NFL offense. But he proved before that that he can be a significant threat even when he’s not carrying the ball 200 times a season. And that may be the Reggie Bush we see in Detroit in 2013.
Keep in mind that Mikel Leshoure is a very capable goal line back, so he will likely vulture some red zone touches, limiting Bush's upside. Bush should be especially good in PPR formats as the Lions tend to throw the ball a ton. The Lions aren't stacked at RB like the Saints were, so Bush should see more than 105 carries in 2013 provided he can stay healthy.
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