Detroit Lions: Joique Bell Should Start Over Reggie Bush

(Rick Osentoski/Associated Press)

During the 2012 offseason, excitement and galore buzzed around Detroit, with the signing of tailback Reggie Bush.

Bush, at the time, was the remedy the struggling Lions’ offense badly begged for. His speed would open Detroit’s playback, bring safeties closer, and assist receivers Calvin Johnson and others. His impact was felt halfway through the 2013 season, until the Lions collapsed in the second half, Bush’s turnovers a contributing factor as to why.

Since then, Bush hasn’t been as much of an impact to the offense. Throughout almost half of the 2014 season, his subpar play has done nothing to push the Lions over the edge.

Bush hasn’t played like a starter since halfway through last season; it’s time tailback Joique Bell receives the starting role.

Take a look at Reggie Bush’s stats for the 2014 season thus far: just one run longer than 20 yards, one touchdown, 171 rushing yards, and some dropped passes — which were also a problem in 2013, as Bush had nine drops, for an 11.3 drop percentage.

Now, here are Bell’s stats, which are a bit more luminous: 274 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and more power running, which has helped to seal some games.

Bell has 84 carries, compared to Bush’s 49; it’s beyond obvious that he’s more durable. Bush, a finesse runner, will continue to slump with the Lions’ struggling offensive line; Bell’s power and tough running will pick up the yards necessary. Though Bush has more receiving yards, he still hasn’t been any homerun threat or explosion out of the backfield as far as the passing game goes; in fact, he’s had some crucial drops that stunted some key chances for the Lions, like a tip against the Buffalo Bills, resulting in an interception, taking the Lions’ great scoring chance away.

It’s not as if Bell has been some stud, or any major runner for the Lions, but he’s definitely more productive than Bush, and with a starting roll, he’d produce more stats and results. Bush needs to be kept fresh; Bell can muscle through the harder workloads. Unless Bush decides to start kicking out some better runs and receiving plays, the roll should go to Bell.

He’s earned it. Bush, on the other hand, has lost it.