In his first game with the Dolphins, running back Reggie Bush had 11 carries and nine catches. Though the end result wasn’t great, he’ll continue to get the same number of chances.
Per Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Tuesday the team plans to give Reggie roughly 20 touches per game.
Apart from the increased possibility of injury, it’s not the number of opportunities but how they are designed to be used. No matter how badly he wants to be a between-the-tackles tailback, that’s not what Bush is — as evidenced by Albert Haynesworth’s ability to tackle him. With one arm.
Bush gained 38 yards on 11 attempts, for an average of 3.45 yards. He also generated 56 yards on those nine receptions.
If the Dolphins want to get the most out of Bush, they need to use him like he was used in New Orleans.
Of course, that doesn’t mean they’ll have the same success as a team as Bush’s former franchise enjoyed. Unless the Dolphins can find a customized DeLorean and sign Drew Brees in March 2006.