Reggie Bush is a very unique individual when it comes to his impact on an offense. Even when Tom Brady went down, the Patriots were plugging in a backup to the same position. Obviously, Matt Cassel isn't near the QB Brady is, so the ripples felt through the team and league were significant. The point is, though, that the offense didn't change. With Bush going down, the entire offensive complexion of the Saints is forced to change, because the dynamic Bush impacts the game on every play. Even when he doesn't touch the ball, the defense must pay attention to him. That element is now going to be missing from the Saints offense for at least the next two games.
So what does Sean Payton do? Does he try to plug Aaron Stecker -- the most comparable player left on the roster -- into the Bush-role? The defense doesn't exactly jump to Stecker the way they would Bush. The other option is to run a traditional offense until Bush gets back. Deuce McAllister would jump into the feature back role, with Pierre Thomas available to spell him, and Stecker picking up third and long duties.
My guess is that the Saints have to run the offense they have. They won't rely on getting the ball to the "Bush back" near as much, obviously, because you can't replace him. They do have options to use Stecker in that spot during running downs and Devery Henderson or Robert Meachem there in passing situations.
I believe the team will, however, become much more reliant on ball control with McAllister running between the tackles and Marques Colston will become much more involved in the offense as a possession receiver. They still have Lance Moore to help out, while Henderson and Meachem can stretch the field with their deep route-running ability.
I believe Bush's loss hurts the value of Brees slightly, but he's still the top QB as far as I'm concerned. Colston, Moore, and McAllister see jumps in value.
As for Jeremy Shockey, I have no idea. He's hurt, he's back, but he was really hurt ... ugh. For now, you can't really count on him.
Finally, Bush owners ... this is a really tough break. It's likely there are slim pickings on the waiver wire. Any of the above mentioned Saints RBs are worth a shot until we see what Payton does this week. You might take a look at Kevin Faulk as well, with Sammy Morris tweaking his knee last night.
Any specific questions, please email us and we'll help.
