What a frickin beast. He looked like Jim Brown and Earl Campbell together as one. He would not be stopped tonight. He took the team on his back and carried them to victory. And to top that, he's the ultimate professional. Never complained all year about his reduced role this season. Didn't wine and moan about the drafting of Reggie Bush either. All he did was have one of the best playoff performances of all-time tonight. He is and probably will always be my favorite Saints player of all-time. Geaux Saints!
Talking to my uncle during the game and I was telling him that as dynamic as Bush is--he gets so many chances to make big plays (when he's in the slot and Deuce in the backfield) because the defense has to account for Deuce. I'm also not convienced that Reggie can pound away between the tackles. Sure, he can make a few runs and be productive doing it, but that's not his "game". If Reggie wants to continue having seasons like he's having now, he better want to see a running back like Deuce leave. ...and unless Reggie or Deuce want to ever leave N.O. for a huge "payday" elsewhere, there's no reason why the Saints can't have them both until one, or both, of them retire. The way Payton uses both of them is perfect, IMO. Each one gets his share of touches--almost to the point where at the end of each game, they both have stat lines that would suggest each one is the featured back.
AtlantaBengal, it goes both ways. They analyzed one of the Deuce's big runs and it was on a play in which Reggie was in the slot and went away from the direction of the running play, drawing a linebacker and safety his way. Bush will be so damn good next year.
Yes he will. It helps to have a selfless mentor like Deuce to show you the ropes. I think Deuce has an extra step with a guy like to Reg to help motivate him. The shared time has also allowed Deuce to stay healthy.
Deuce is a true professional. He could have hung his head when they drafted Bush and been an ahole to him, but he didn't. He accepted the challenge and took him under his wing. Just a class act. It also helped him to have fresh legs by not toting the ball an ungodly amount during the regular season. I get the feeling Payton is building a team like the Patriots ... character over egos. I was impressed with the player interviews after the game. It's all about the team .. and they know they are playing for a city that is hurting. Man, it would be special to host the NFC championship game next week.
Totally agree about Deuce. I was also impressed with the way RB came back after the shot he took at the start. These 2 guys make each other better. The D came to play as well. Except for Thomas.
Deuce was unbelievable last night. I thought he looked like Emmitt in his prime. Just enough shiftiness, but mainly going north/south and taking on all comers. Incredible job by Deuce. He won them the game, no question.
Deuce is like a sliterhing snake, his moves are very subtle but so damn effective (ala the juke on Trotter for the TD)
