Monday, December 19, 2011

Bush's elevation of play reaches new heights Sunday

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Reggie Bush understood the questions critics had when the Miami Dolphins acquired Bush during the offseason to become the team's feature back.

With injury problems, lack of carries and general lack of production on the ground the last two years with the New Orleans Saints, Bush told the media Sunday, "People should be questioning me whether I can do it or not."

But Bush has been answering those questions over the latter half of this season, and he made a strong case Sunday in the Dolphins' win over the Buffalo Bills, amassing 203 rushing yards and logging his third game in a row with at least 100 yards on the ground.

The sixth-year tailback failed to reach the end zone on the ground in the Dolphins' first seven games of the season, recording only one 100-yard game in that span. However, he's had six rushing touchdowns over the last seven games.

"I knew given the opportunity I'd be able to show that I can be an every-down back," Bush said.

Bush credited his offensive line for the elevation of his play, though he had his big game Sunday with backup John Jerry at left tackle in place of the injured Jake Long. Jerry was solid, and the Dolphins' offensive line has been pretty good in run blocking this season. Its pass blocking, however, needs work.

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