Brian Bahr - Getty Images
7 months ago: OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 23: Running back Michael Bush #29 of the Oakland Raiders runs for a first down against the Kansas City Chiefs in the third quarter on October 23, 2011 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Chiefs won 28-0. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
It is well documented that the Bengals need a new number one running back, either in the draft or in free agency. This is of course based on the assumption that Cedric Benson will not be returning and that Bernard Scott will not be asked to carry the full load. One potential target that has been on many Bengals fans minds for quite awhile is Raider running back Michael Bush. Bush is an unrestricted free agent and is free to sign with a team starting on March 13, when free agency begins.
There has been some talk that the Raiders may use their franchise tag on Bush, especially with Darren McFadden's injury history. The Raiders recently signed Lanyae Miller, former Fresno State running back, and also have speedster Taiwan Jones at the position. So, it is conceivable to think that Oakland may let Bush go.
Coming to Cincinnati would be some sort of a homecoming for Bush. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky and also attended the University of Louisville. Bush is 6 foot 1 and weighs 245 pounds, so he is a bruiser at the running back position. This would work well in contrast with the smaller Bernard Scott. The Bengals could then focus on other positions in the draft instead of taking one in the first two rounds.
Bush certainly has a chance to escape from the shadow of McFadden this season. One of the main questions with him is if he can handle being a number one back. He started to tire out at the end of last season, likely because of the Raiders heavy reliance on him. Could the Bengals sign Bush and then possibly draft a back like Washington's Chris Polk in the third round? With about 60 million to spend, free agency cannot get here soon enough.
0 recs | 51 comments
He is definitely a between the tackles guy but,
can he catch a screen pass? Can he run a slant route out of the backfield?
keithster - February 18, 2012
Yes he can catch.
Michael has very soft hands. Might be one of the best athletes I’ve ever seen. Three sport athlete in high school. And I say that because he could’ve gone pro in all. L-Ville wanted him for all of those sports.
whodeycommish14 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
the guy is a gifted athlete
Bush played QB in HS. Actually led his team to State Championship against Brian Brohm. In college Bush became an RB while Brohm was QB. Bush has quick feet and ability to maintain balance in traffic. In college he had hands to catch but may not have had the upper body flexibility to turn and catch out of backfield. As long as ball is in front of him no problem.
Jim Spann - February 19, 2012
Mixed
If he came at the right price. I really wanted to get him last year. But does he even fit in Grudens offense? He’d have to remain a role player if it were to work.
M Shop - February 18, 2012 via mobile
i think he'd be a good fit
he’s a 3 down RB and has a nice blend of size/speed. I don’t mind that he can’t have a heavy workload because we have leonard for clutch 3rd downs and scott to take over 2 or 3 series.
brandone - February 18, 2012
Even if we do pick him up, I'd like the Bengals to draft a RB in the top 2 rounds.
DTFCPDX - February 18, 2012
top 3 rds is more likely
keithster - February 18, 2012
Me to
If we brought him in then we could take a chance on one of the smaller speed backs or just get a guy like Polk to help share the load without wearing them both out. It would definitely take the pressure off during the draft so they don’t have to reach and can take the one that falls to them. Question is if we get a FA & draft a RB what RB hits the road Pearman, Scott, or Leonard? If Scott can play special teams like Pearman can then let Pearman go. If not I say let Scott walk, he’s not a feature back and Brian (mr. firstdown) Leonard is a 3rd down staple. Who do you think gets released in this situation?
Bigcatdaddy - February 18, 2012 via Android app
I would say trade Scott for a future draft pick; people forget that besides being a good "gunner" on special teams, Peerman can also return kicks.
DTFCPDX - February 18, 2012
+1
So can Scott. The separation is ST play (tackling, blocking for the punter, etc). We know Pearman can do all that but what about Scott? Hell, Leonard could draw the short straw but I hope not I really like his clutch gene.
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
he would be a little better than benson
But pretty much the same thing. The more I think about it the more I’d rather just draft turbin or ganaway and it will be about the same. A tough between the tackle runner, who’s not going to break a big run often.
JCompton41 - February 18, 2012 via mobile
We can draft a tough between the Tackles guy for far less.............
and spend more on our O line! Sign Nicks or Grubbs, build the line first!
The Van Buren Boys - February 18, 2012
i agree 100%
build the line 1st w/ nicks or grubbs….
& we just signed a fine RB don’t forget in Aaron Brown 6’ 1"s 205 lbs
i’m more concerned w/ our O-line, CB’s, Safety position & a DT, than a RB or a WR….
6’3" 210 lbs WR Armon Binns could be our #2 WR i think….
pls don’t overlook these two up & coming studs….
greenheart - February 28, 2012
He might not break long runs, but
he breaks tackles. When you break tackles, and that’s something Benson hasn’t done.
whodeycommish14 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
when you break tackles, you have the potential to break TD runs and that's something Benson hasn't done*
These damn phones.
whodeycommish14 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I know it's a bit early to say this but
This aaron brown might be the next terrell davis
Hoke Hogan - February 18, 2012 via mobile
what?
That’s as bad as the people who were saying Dan lefevour was our savior qb.
JCompton41 - February 18, 2012 via mobile
Haha
whodeycommish14 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I still have Lefevour, thank you!
COWBELL!
UpStateMike - February 19, 2012
i agree 100%
i saw Aaron Brown play in one game & he looked fantastic….strong & fast….i was very impressed
greenheart - February 28, 2012
No.
I want nothing to do with him. He’ll be 28 when the season starts. He averaged 3.8 ypc behind the same line that McFadden averaged 5.2 ypc. And he has no explosion. He’s not a HR threat. I’m tired of Benson type of backs. They don’t fit the WCO and it’d be once again like fitting a round peg in a square hole. I really hope we don’t go after him.
Mexal - February 19, 2012
Im thinking.....YEAH!
Bush, why not!? He is a seasoned back. I think brining him in (if we can), would be a good thing. Im still not sold on SCOTT, though. I mean, if anything keep the dude to run some punts back. He was “wishy washy” this year in the back field. I like the idea of making “some $$$” in the FA, then concentrate on our needs in the draft (CB, SS, G, WR). If the sudden moves the Bengals are making now are clue/idea of what FA/DRAFT will be like, its gonna be a good ride.
HEZ_MAN - February 19, 2012
Why punts?
When was the last time he’s done that?
dqniel - February 19, 2012
What about BJGE?
He would probably come cheaper, he’s faster, and hasn’t fumbled since college. I like Bush and was a huge fan of his in Lville until that stupid flip leg break incident he would’ve been 1st rnd material but BJGE may be a better option.
Bigcatdaddy - February 19, 2012 via Android app
He's a system RB who averaged 3.7 ypc
His longest run last year was 18. Again, a lack of explosion is bad for this team.
Mexal - February 19, 2012
Maybe, maybe not.
If we get a high-level guard in FA or the draft, then a average runner who never fumbles might be just what we want. I see your point – we want defenses to fear our run game so they can’t just focus on stopping Green and Gresh, but remember that Shipley is coming back, too. The passing attack might be able to survive without an explosive running game. It can’t survive if we cough up the ball every few possessions. Just a thought; I’m not completely disagreeing with you here.
Pardon_My_French - February 19, 2012
At least better than Benson
laibach - February 19, 2012
Give me Doug Martin in the 2nd round and I'm cool
Dude is a manimal.
whodeycommish14 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Bush has two major improvement areas over Benson
1. He can catch very well. I feel like this is being overlooked.
2. He can break tackles.
dqniel - February 19, 2012
Can he pass block?
Oregonbengalsfan - February 19, 2012
Good question.
If I had PFF premium I bet I’d be able to find out, cause I sure don’t have any game tape on him. The only thing I have to go on are his stats and the few games I watched him in where he looked completely natural while catching the ball.
dqniel - February 19, 2012
Yeah, I'd say if he can pass block also
then he wouldn’t be a bad pickup as a stop gap
Oregonbengalsfan - February 19, 2012
Say they...
Sign MB. Would the Bengals then target a rb like a Doug Martin, or Isaah Pead? …a rb with the ability to break it to the edge via run/pass …like a elusive-type breakaway runner? I like those short little compact backs like MJD who just seem to bounce off defenders like a rubberball and has power and can shift gears going through traffick with lots of speed. They’re exciting to watch! Why can’t we get one of those type backs? A “homerun hitter” as they call ’em….
Makebelieve - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I think he would work...
But I don’t see Bush being the long term solution. I think we need to draft a RB too. That way we have a band-aid for now and a prospect for the future. As long as we don’t sign Benson again I’ll be happy!
Adrk1178 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
If we sign Bush
And Richardson falls to us at 17 I’d still take him
messjunk - February 19, 2012
That most likely won’t happen and even if he did fall to 17 if we signed bush they would not use up so much money on RBs.
Loaded24 - February 19, 2012
I don't have a problem with signing Bush
OR a similar free agent RB, but make no mistake, we need to sign a top RB in this draft. The first pick will be a RB if a top guy falls past the expected grabs. If the better RB’s get snagged, expect a top CB to be the next target. Then we go after the best remaining of whichever we didn’t get with the #17.
You need to get a RB who is very fresh that can start or at least have a major impact in the game by midseason. If we don’t, then we are right back at the 3.8 ypc and it forces Dalton to throw the entire game.
UpStateMike - February 19, 2012
hmm
signing bush as a free agent
drafting robert turbin in the 4th round
brian leonard as the 3r down back
scott or peerman as special teams/insurance.
wouldn’t be a bad off season at rb for the bengals.
palewook - February 19, 2012
Sure id take it
njbengalstat - February 19, 2012
Yep!
I’ll buy it too! Robert Turbin is a heck of a rb who can wear down a defense by himself. I could see the Bengals using Bush to soften up defensives and then turning loose Turbin! …Ouch!
Makebelieve - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Correction...
‘defenses’ …I meant!
Makebelieve - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Bush he has the speed and elusiveness of Benson (in otherwords none)
the only difference is that he’s a little bigger, and doesn’t have Daniel Coats-like hands.
But swapping Bush in place of Benson is only a marginal upgrade at the position.
ephram - February 19, 2012
Agree completely and with his age (going to be 28), he's not a long term solution.
Would rather spend on a stud G and draft someone. Was chatting with some guys on the Silver and Black page and they said the same thing, Bush is a better compliment than being the main guy or bellcow back. Wouldn’t spend the money on the huge contract he’s going to get.
The Van Buren Boys - February 19, 2012
Walterfootball has him as the No. 5 free agent RB...
and that includes guys who are RFA’s and guys who are likely to be franchised (Ray Rice). But he did say this:
We have Scott for depth, but I’m not sure if this is the long term direction we want. Michael Bush has a long history of injuries going back to college.
Pardon_My_French - February 19, 2012
Would agree with that assessment 100% also.
Good complimentary player, but we don’t want to pay a huge contract to that type of guy. He’s definitely an upgrade over Benson (but then again, so are you and I) but just don’t want to spend that much money on him. Would love to grab a G, CB and WR instead.
The Van Buren Boys - February 19, 2012
bush is a cheap band-aid option for a season or two
provided:
1) we dont over pay him. anything more than a 3-5 million a year deal with incentives is too much.
2) we draft a later rb to fill out the running back by committee. counting on bush to carry 250x in a season is just dumb. he should only get 120-150 carries for the season. with leonard and the rookie back splitting another 150-250 carries between them
3) we plan to develop a bell cow back (turbin) for 2013 or draft/sign one in 2013/2014.
palewook - February 19, 2012
Michael Bush (i don't get the hype)
his ypc dropped after he became “the guy” folling McFadden’s injury, and steadily dropped after that.
4.0 ypc…first 7 games as a backup…237 / 60
5.2 ypc…first 2 games as a starter…253 / 49
3.3 ypc…last 7 games as a starter…487 / 147
ephram - February 19, 2012
still on the fence
if we could get a Martin, Pead, Wilson, rainey or James to team with him, which we could, I’d be ok with it, doesn’t make my heart flutter, but it’s an upgrade over Benson for sure
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
absolutely would want another rookie back to team with bush and leonard.
means the either scott or peerman is sticking with team as special teams/injury insurance back too.
palewook - February 19, 2012
yeah
I’d hate for them to sign Bush and say well, we’ve upgraded our RB position, let’s move on, cause that won’t work, he needs someone to compliment him, he wore down the more he played
joeb69 - February 19, 2012
I love Bush
I can’t believe people are actually calling this guy “a younger cedric benson” give me a break ! This guys is a beast that runs like a mad man, and if he would of started last year from game one based on the way he ran the last 9 games would of had the rushing title. He’s a major upgrade to benson. The only prob is that he is 27, so a three year deal would be perfect, but he’s not a long term solution.
thegrassisGREENer18 - February 19, 2012
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