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Bush seeking more heroics as Saints visit Redskins

Sep 9, 2008 - 8:36 PM New Orleans (1-0) at Washington (0-1), 1:00 pm EDT

LANDOVER, Maryland (Ticker) -- Overrated? Maybe. But Reggie Bush has already showed his explosiveness in the open field and his value to the New Orleans Saints this season.

Bush and the high-powered Saints offense aim for a 2-0 start when they play the defensive-minded Washington Redskins on Sunday.

A second-overall pick in 2006, Bush has yet to live up to the hype, producing less-than-spectacular numbers over his first two seasons. That was not the case in last Sunday's 24-20 win over the rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Bush collected 164 total yards and scored the game-winning touchdown on a 42-yard reception, where he grabbed a swing pass and dashed down the right sideline, juked one defender around the Bucs 20-yard line before stiff-arming another defender and diving toward the pylon.

The 23-year-old Bush finished with eight catches for 112 yards and highlighted the Saints' 101-yard rushing attack with a 26-yard run. Pierre Thomas rushed for 52 yards in place of running back Deuce McAllister, who dressed but did not play.

Drew Brees threw an interception that was returned for a score, but he passed for 343 yards and three touchdowns in the win. He often looked toward new tight end Jeremy Shockey, who hauled in six catches for 54 yards.

The Redskins had little success offensively during last Thursday's 16-7 setback to the New York Giants, compiling 209 total yards.

Jason Campbell passed for 133 yards and a score and Clinton Portis added 84 yards on the ground for Washington, which converted just 3-of-13 on third down.

The Redskins have fewer questions on defense, which ranked eighth last season. Linebacker London Fletcher leads the NFL with 17 total tackles and new defensive end Jason Taylor made a pair of solo tackles.

Washington, which allowed 354 yards to the Giants, will have its hands full with the Saints. New Orleans, which ranked fourth in total offense last season, racked up 438 yards against a strong Buccaneers defense last week.