By Mike Rizzuto LSN Writer Most of us can visualize this picture in our mind’s eye from years of watching New Orleans Saints’ games. “He” takes the handoff from quarterback Drew Brees, stutter-steps while looking at the oncoming defense, runs laterally to his left, cuts back to his right, dashes madly along the line of scrimmage to the sidelines, and refuses to lower his pads and run over a defender before conveniently scampering out of bounds... all adding up for a two, three, or four yard loss. Frustrated fans watching the action then scream angrily, almost in unison, “hit the freakin’ #@@$$ hole and quit dancing, Reggie! Ah, yes. For those of you who aren’t fervent, diehard supporters of the Black and Gold of the Crescent City, you get the message by now. “Reggie,” as in friggin’ Reggie Bush, the high-priced little running back that either leaves you gasping for air in total admiration or scratching your head feverishly in immense frustration. Reginald Alfred “Reggie Bush has been that type of player ever since the Saints drafted him with the second overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft. After a stellar college career at the University of Southern California, where he won the Walter Camp, Doak Walker, and Heisman Awards, football experts are still hopelessly divided on whether he is a legitimate NFL running back. Some love his all or nothing style of running, while others loathe his inability to hit holes quickly and deliver punishment to opposing tacklers. While most agree that he is a capable, even explosive receiver after catching the football, many others cringe every time he lines up behind Brees as the primary running back. Even Bush has been openly critical of several of his performances, when he has laid the football on the turf too many times, failed to effectively block pass rushers, or danced too much after getting the football from the quarterback. Which leaves most of us wondering, “is he a capable running back, a glorified third down receiver, or a hybrid player still searching for his niche as an NFL football player?” As the singing troubadour Bob Dylan might croon, “The answer my friend, is blowin’ in the wind. The answer is blowin’ in the wind.” The plain truth of the matter is that after three years of watching Bush imitate one of Don Cornelius’ frantic Soul Train dancers, we are no closer to defining just what this speedy youngster is than when we were when he was drafted. Bush’s ability simply has not been successfully transferred from the college ranks to the professional leagues. I mean, it’s one thing to be running wild in the secondary of the Oregon State defense on a Saturday afternoon, but it’s entirely a different kind of animal when you’re competing against the bigger, stronger, and (perhaps, more meaningful) faster players of the National Football League on Sundays. In short, Bush’s collegiate game may never translate to the pros, aside from an occasional stunning punt return for a touchdown. In the meantime, most of us have run out of time trying to figure this “pickle” out, meaning the year 2009 is basically a “make it or break it” year for the once-promising superstar. On a team that is begging for a “smash-mouth,” “in your face,” “run right over you” running back to complement the best passing attack in the league, Bush will, barring a sudden change of attitude from Saints head coach Sean Payton, line up behind quarterback Brees in the New Orleans backfield once again to start the season. And how he performs will more than likely dictate the fortunes of the entire Saints team, too. The NFL is no game anymore. It’s a really big business where mountains of money are tied to individual and team performance and success. As harsh as this may sound, Bush must find a way to get the job done in the rushing department soon or be replaced as the primary running back. Perhaps if he ran with the football as hard, straight, and determined as he does when he rushes to his knockout girlfriend Kim Kardashian, the problem might be solved. But so much for the comic relief, since his stutter-steps, jukes, and change of directions all have become a bit too tedious for most Saints’ fans to endure. So Reggie, as much as we love you, it’s time for you to step up or step out. For we loyal, dedicated, long-suffering Saints fans have waited far too long for a Super Bowl berth, and only a competent running game will get us there.