Jermon Bushrod (pictured) will finally get his chance to show what he can do. Bushrod, who was drafted in the 4th round in 2007, has been buried on the depth chart for his short lived career behind Pro Bowl tackle Jammal Brown and reliable backup Zach Strief. Despite the fact that Strief was a 7th round pick the previous year (2006), he's managed to continually hold off Bushrod as the top reserve at tackle. This despite Saints coaches constantly raving about Bushrod's ability. Even with the amount of bottled up ability Bushrod witholds, sooner or later he won't remain on the team if he can't live up to his potential. Zach Strief has been limited with a day to day injury and with the latest news that Jammal Brown may be suffering from a sports hernia, it's now or never for Bushrod. Brown's situation is of major concern for a couple of reasons: one, it's the same injury that plagued both Will Smith and Jeremy Shockey and severly stunted their 2008 performance, and two, he's a guy that protects Drew Brees' blind side and is the anchor of the Saints line. It's bad news for the Saints, but with their reliable backup in Strief banged up - this couldn't be a more perfect opportunity for Bushrod to finally jump on an opportunity. This much is certain: a chance to showcase his ability in a prime situation may never come around again. The glass half full theory here is Bushrod will rise to the occassion and prove to the Saints that he was worth keeping around those years he hibernated week to week on the inactive roster. Keep an eye out for his performance tomorrow, because he'll be blocking Mario Williams and going up against one of the best. He'll be responsible for Drew Brees getting through that game healthy, and it will be no easy task. The good news is if he can get through this game with flying colors, the Saints' depth at tackle will be better off for it and perhaps he'll be trusted more in the future.Friday, August 21, 2009
Saints Nation: Jammal Brown's injury is an opportunity for Bushrod
Jermon Bushrod (pictured) will finally get his chance to show what he can do. Bushrod, who was drafted in the 4th round in 2007, has been buried on the depth chart for his short lived career behind Pro Bowl tackle Jammal Brown and reliable backup Zach Strief. Despite the fact that Strief was a 7th round pick the previous year (2006), he's managed to continually hold off Bushrod as the top reserve at tackle. This despite Saints coaches constantly raving about Bushrod's ability. Even with the amount of bottled up ability Bushrod witholds, sooner or later he won't remain on the team if he can't live up to his potential. Zach Strief has been limited with a day to day injury and with the latest news that Jammal Brown may be suffering from a sports hernia, it's now or never for Bushrod. Brown's situation is of major concern for a couple of reasons: one, it's the same injury that plagued both Will Smith and Jeremy Shockey and severly stunted their 2008 performance, and two, he's a guy that protects Drew Brees' blind side and is the anchor of the Saints line. It's bad news for the Saints, but with their reliable backup in Strief banged up - this couldn't be a more perfect opportunity for Bushrod to finally jump on an opportunity. This much is certain: a chance to showcase his ability in a prime situation may never come around again. The glass half full theory here is Bushrod will rise to the occassion and prove to the Saints that he was worth keeping around those years he hibernated week to week on the inactive roster. Keep an eye out for his performance tomorrow, because he'll be blocking Mario Williams and going up against one of the best. He'll be responsible for Drew Brees getting through that game healthy, and it will be no easy task. The good news is if he can get through this game with flying colors, the Saints' depth at tackle will be better off for it and perhaps he'll be trusted more in the future.
