Cold Pizza on Reggie Bush

For every Tiki Barber there is an Eric Metcalf.

Bush is closer to one than the other, based purely off of skill sets. I'd even argue that he's closer to Metcalf on body type as well - Tiki Barber is a stout 200 lbs, with thick legs. Metcalf was a slim 190 with good, even weight distribution.

http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/images/historical/1987_metcalf_a.jpg - Metcalf in college

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAGX200_8x10~Tiki-Barber-Virginia-Posters.jpg - Barber in college.

http://www.thechron.net/photos/uncategorized/bush_vs_huskies.jpg - Bush in college.

Look closely at the players' physiques.

Then consider that Eric Metcalf was an amazing receiver on the slot, on the edges, and out of the backfield.

Then consider that Metcalf was another home-run on launch type of player. He whom struggled mightily as a full-time AND a part time RB.

187 633 3.4 6 - metcalf as a feature back.

80 248 3.1 1
30 107 3.6 0
73 301 4.1 1
93 329 3.5 2

metcalf's four seasons as a part-time guy.

129 611 4.7 1 - metcalf's numbers as a change-of-pace for a first-time starter.

104 1189 11.4 8** - metcalf's first season as a fulltime wide receiver.



Guess where Tiki Barber was most effective during the big-back days in East Rutherford?

34 299 8.8 1
42 348 8.3 3
66 609 9.2 2

Catching the ball.

the late 90s giants were designed around big, bruising backs (5'10" 230 lb Joe Montgomery, 6'0" 245 Charles Way, 6'0" 230 Tyrone Wheatley, 5'11" 235 Gary Brown), all of whom were gone when Tiki Barber became the man. The offensive philosophies had to have switched, because Heisman winning, 5'11" 245 lb Ron Dayne struggled every year in the new system (even after the rookie excuse wore out its welcome). Similarly, 5'11' 265 lb Craig Heyward was the featured back in Atlanta, and the Falcons coaching knew that Metcalf wouldn't make it as a RB in their run game, so they took a flyer that paid HUGE dividends - imagine if Cleveland had thought to do that.