If you need a refresher on the rules for the series or a run down of previous match-ups? Here is the rules and history thread:
"Close Calls 2007" - A Sportsoutlaw.com Exclusive
Remember, this is based on re-draft leagues.
Today's Match-up:

Laurence Maroney - RB - NE *vs* Reggie Bush - RB - NO

Last Year's Stats:
Laurence Maroney - 14 gms - 745 yds - 6 TD's - 22 rec - 194 rec yds - 1 TD
Reggie Bush - 16 gms - 565 yds - 6 TD's - 88 rec - 742 rec yds - 2 TD's

These 2 backs are both going into their sophmore years and both are facing great expectations. Will NO be able to get Bush enough of a role on the ground to warrent his lofty draft slot? The show is now Maroney's with Dillon gone, can he stand up to the load? Which of these backs can avoid the sophmore slump? These are some of the questions you will need to answer in today's "Close Call."

Important to note on this one, no pts per reception.

First of all, where's the poll? Secondly, if there was one my vote would be for Reggie Bush.

Here's why, I understand that with Duece still running strong Bush will undoubtedly wind up splitting the majority of the carries that he would get if he was the feature back, however, Bush, IMO, brings an aspect to the game that Maroneny simply has not shown, and that is his pass catching ability.
I feel that last year's stats are a good showing of what we can expect from these two, and while Maroney will wind up with more rushing yards, Bush will more than make up the points with recpetions and will eclipse Maroney in recieving yards.
I take Bush as a strong #2 back, knowing that you'd be able to draft a stronger rusher but believing that he will bring you more points with his hands than someone could soley on the ground.

Awe, sorry, didn't read this before my post. Still take Bush, still credit it to the recieving, but now the yards and TD's and not the receptions.

Wow, did you ever do your homework on this one, Miller, gotta give you big props for this...........

This might be the roughest call you can make, but I'm going to go by parameters here and break this one down.....

In a straight up redraft, the trick is to find the guy who is going to have the better year statistically.......I'd have to call Maroney's number right here. Basically put, I LOVE Reggie Bush, just maybe not THIS season. Maroney is going to be "the man" in that New England offense running the ball. There isn't a whole lot of carries that are going to be taken away, except for the ones where Brady's chucking up a deep ball to Moss. I've stated before in another thread that if there's one young back I'd love to build around right now, it'd be Laurence Maroney. He's got an incredible supporting cast around him that will ensure that defenses can't key on him in the running game. He's going to enjoy the same privledges that were previously afforded to Edgerrin James in the Indy days.

Bush is going to have a terrific season, but in the end, he's still going to be splitting carries with Deuce (at least this year, anyways). In the future, after Deuce takes the walk via free agency, we can all rant and rave about Bush being the man. This season, I take Maroney and situation over Bush and potential.

Thanks Maverick, you didn't leave much for anyone else to say.
I agree with you on all. Marony this year, Bush..Later.

Although if Moss gets fired up Marony's and everyone else will
have lower #'s. How low we will have to wait and see.

I vote for Bush. First of all, I agree with Danny. The passing game to Bush really heated up NO last year, and I think that will continue, Deuce or no Deuce. Plus, Bush gets the return yardage (I forget if this counts here, but it does in my league. Anyway, even without it doesn't change my opinion). and doesn't Maroney have a shoulder injury that no one's talking about? I think he may break down if he gets too much action

As much as I hate Reggie Bush ( That's Vince's Heisman ), and as much as I love Maroney, I have to go with Bush. He will be less of a secondary back in the running game and expect him to get the bulk of the carries this season. He's a huge threat in the passing game, and while there are no points for receptions, he gets a lot of receiving yards. His TD production will go up now that he has more experience. Maroney will be the better runner, but Bush will do more combined through receptions and rushes for touchdowns and yardage.

I am not going to pick here yet. Why?

First, I am not high on Bush this year. I think this year, with McCallister in a contract year, and a year out after knee issues, he will be used even more. So Bush will have less opportunity.

Second, until I SEE or even read some report on Maroney's shoulder...I don't see him being the work horse. Last report I ever saw was he was signing posters left handed since he couldn't use his right arm. Not good on a rb.

If all were even, and we knew Maroney is healthy...I would lean to Maroney. But right now...I pick TBD.

I've been seeing Bush go early in the 2nd round, in the mocks I have participated in. That will not stop me from saying that I like Bush better than Maroney. I don't want to spend a first round pick on Maroney, and I'm sorry to say, I can't put a finger on why. I do know that the Saints are the most dynamic offense I have seen in a while, and feel Peyton gameplans as good as any offensive mind out there. To watch the saints last season was to always wonder how they were gonna use Bush next. I can't see teams being able to get a bead on him either, as the things they always faked last season they can use this one. It was some of the most innovative stuff I have ever seen. Bush is a solid threat for 2000 combined and 12 td's. I see Maroney at best, 1500 and 10 td's.

this one doesnt feel too close to me.

lets break this down...
rushing yardage - maroney, hands down.

receiving yardage - bush, hands down -- and quite possibly by as much or more than maroney in yardage.

touches and TD ops - bush. rushing, receiving, kick returning, maybe even a pass. this offense is built around him. maroney cant say that at all in NE.

receptions - not PPR here but if you get a point per catch, ive got bush by almost 100 points then.

ability to score on any given play - bush unless youre just not watching the games.

injury - tough call here. bush seems more likely to be hurt because he is smaller, but many smaller backs have made it through the league fine, and with bush doing less rushing than most, it isnt quite the same pounding. maroney has been injury prone already in college and the nfl, and there are serious shoulder questions as well. most will say maroney here, but i think it has to be bush that gets the nod.

in the end, the only real advantage maroney has is with rushing yards. and while you might assume that makes the better fantasy RB, i believe you would be mistaken. bush is a more dynamic player and a better bet in every other aspect.

Right now I am going to go with Reggie Bush (reluctantly) until I hear more news about Maroney's shoulder. I just cant take a risk that early in my fantasy draft for a RB that might have health issues, clear starter or not. NO will use Bush in versatile roles so at least you know what you are getting.

Can I have Both?

sure Roid, I don't want either

Seriously, not going to spend the high pick on either. Bush is still in a RBBC and while he may be dynamic, he's not going to put up numbers near worthly of being a #1 RB in non-ppr leagues. I also don't care if he can return kicks, that is just another way for him to get hurt unless you award yardage and this scenerio does not.

Maroney has all the opportunity in the world and I think he will come thorough, but still too much doubt to spend a late 1st on him. Should doesn't concern me much b/c NE hasn't sniffed at another RB, but it's still in my mind. In the end, if I had to have pone of these guys this year I'd take Marroney, but I would then try to deal him to Roid

Im going Bush here. I just have that feeling Maroney will be hurt often.

Yes. Maroney is attainable around pick 9 or 10 then, Bush has been falling around 2.03.

Sounds like a nice cornerstone for a team if you ask me.

Agreed, though I'd feel safer with Rudi in the first!

I would take bush all-day long. Regardless of the ppr He is and will always be a better back than maroney.

This "question" is very simple. It is just asking you plainly, Whose better, Laurence Maroney, or Reggie Bush?? Now, for all of the close calls the positions are the same. Just like this one. The position is HB (Halfback). What does a HB do?? They line up behind the QB and their sole purpose is to RUN THE BALL!!!! Yes they are also a part of the passing game, but that's just like a little added bonus. The answer is very clearly Laurence Maroney. Yes, of course Reggie Bush is in the top 2 or 3 in Receiving for a RB, right up there with Steven Jackson. That obviously helps him with his "rating", but a HB is meant to run. Laurence MAroney is also a solid pass catcher. He caught 22 passes for around 200 yards, or something like that. Maroney is more of a downhill runner, as Bush is a cutback runner. MAroney can break tackles better, Bush has better hands. Maroney can cover the ball better, Maroney can push the pile better, Bush has more versatility, Bush is more of a solid punt returner, while Maroney is a better Kick returner. I say that all-around Maroney is a better HB, Bush is a better WR. All of the other stuff is just