Criticism is not hatred, and Reggie is not above criticism; and if I didn’t care, I wouldn’t bother to criticize. I’d like to see him return to last year’s form as well. More than that, I’d like to see him become an MVP-caliber player. He’s not even close, and he’s further away now than ever before. I really do worry for his state of mind, because delusions of grandeur don’t make or keep a person “mentally strong.”

Reggie needs to start hanging out with Mike Bell more than he does with Kim. Mike would teach him a different kind of banging…the kind he was drafted for.

I did not like the premadonna last year and he has not shown me anything this year. For every one yard he has gained, there are 50 that he lost . I think he has been overwhelmed by the NFL defenses and fast as he is, there are DB’s just as fast. And most DB’s are bigger to boot. Looks to me that his decoy status is diminishing and when that happens he could make a great water boy. The Saints don’t need him to win. He is almost out of the rotation already. Sorry but I just can’t see him being worth the money he’s paid.

Well, maybe he can “role” on outta here. Sorry, it was there.

He needs to wake up. I’m on board with everyone about his ability, and I don’t want us to lose him to some other team. But if he doesn’t start contributing more, there’s going to be a contract crisis, and I’m not sure it’s going to go Reggie’s way.

I’d hate to see him go to another team and become the next Barry Sanders; but it would be better than him staying with the Saints and becoming the next Vaughn Dunbar.

That comment was really over the top. Reggie’s rushing average has actually taken a slight uptick this season. And he’s been a good teammate and a good member of the community.

But notice something else Saint-Sly wrote:

“The Saints don’t need him to win. He is almost out of the rotation already.”

I’m afraid that’s true. And it’s a pity, because I’d like for Reggie to be successful in his own right, and not just go along for the ride.

He has been a good player. But we thought we were drafting a great player. I just wonder if the fame and riches have gone to his head, and become his top priorities—and football is now a distant third.

Did you see his latest interview ? Says he;s gonna win the MVP, Pro Bowl, and Super Bowl. Think the guy is day trippin. I love the Saints more than anyone. Been watching since the very first kick off but the past is the past. The only thing that matters is now. The man has had three years to prove himself but can’t get it right and is still not showing it this year. I guess I’m the only one who sees it…………………..Reggie will account for 50-60 forward yards a game but watch how many yards he runs backward or sideways for losses. Add them up and subtract from his 50-60 and see what you got. Add in a fumble or two. Totals up to a loss in my book unless Bell, Thomas, Brees, Colston, Shockey, Henderson or somebody bails him out.
Tell ya what………………….If he starts breaking out and doing his thing, I’m all for it. Love to see it happen. I have been waiting patiently and will continue to do so cause they aint nuttin I can do about it. And………… a primadonna is someone that thinks he’s all that and a bag of candy. I’ll just sit back and watch.

Wouldn’t that entail not starting topics concerning his performance (or lack thereof)? I mean, you’re right, if Lynell Hamilton was getting 6 or 7 touches a game and putting up Reggie Bush-like numbers, no one would be bitching. Maybe a “what’s the point of giving this chump so many carries?” snide remark once every couple of weeks, but nowhere near the rag-tag job Bush gets.

I’m not above admitting that all players aren’t treated equally by the fans and the media. They’re also not paid equally. Nor are they of equal talent. Nor do they produce equally. Nor are they given equal opportunity to produce. It all comes with the territory of being a high profile, early round draft choice at a ridiculously visible (read: easily-monitored) position.

All three of those factors come into play. How many threads do you see on this site about Jonathan Goodwin? Would you see a few more, if he was a second overall pick? Considering centers are almost never selected in the first round, you bet your ass you would. He’d inevitably be watched closer than ever other center in the league and likely be criticized for flaws many other starting centers get away on a weekly basis.

Of course, an awfully high percentage of casual fan perception is based strictly on what they pick up on in the media, as well as what they understand to be the norm, in terms of skill progression, playing time, etc. Take Jonathan Sullivan, for example. Suppose he had been plugged into the starting lineup from Day One, never had heat-related issues in training camp, never got injured, seldom made a tackle … mainly just lingered there, as a fat, first round nothing-special cog on a steadily-improving defense. How long do you think it would take before fans started questioning the pick? Let me answer that. Considerably LESS time than it would take them to question a seventh round starting DT, yet considerably MORE time than it would take them to question a first round QB, RB, WR, CB, etc. If you don’t understand why, shame on you.

Thanks much for the transcript link. I’m glad I got to hear the entire thing without editing!

Bingo!

Because Chris Johnson has an inside game as well, making defenders leery of a cutback. Their hesitation in anticipating his move is what inevitably affords him additional real estate in either direction. Bush is a one trick pony. He seeks to turn the corner practically every time he touches the ball. There’s no reason for a defender to hesitate, if he knows what to expect. At that point, it’s all about pursuit and wrapping up.