Jarrett Bush: secret weapon
By Rob Reischel, for the Journal Sentinel
Jan. 14, 2011 2:24 p.m. |(26) Comments
It wasnt that long ago Packer Nation wanted to run Jarrett Bush out of town.
The much maligned cornerback/safety/special teams player has always been a lightning rod for criticism for his defensive struggles.
Dont look now, but that segment has been quieted due to Bushs terrific special teams play in recent weeks.
Packers special teams coach Shawn Slocum called Bush his units MVP this week and said Bush is nearing Pro Bowl status.
If he just continues to play this way, youll have to consider him (for the Pro Bowl) because hes making an impact in the game, Slocum said.
In the Packers Week 17 win over Chicago, Bush downed a Tim Masthay punt at the 3-yard line with 10 minutes left in the game. Just five minutes later, Masthay hit another beauty that Bush downed at the 2.
Then during Green Bays win at Philadelphia last Sunday, Bush was terrific in coverage all day.
Bush is currently second to Korey Hall in special teams tackles with 12. Bush also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble in Week 9 win over Dallas. The forced fumble led to 26-yard touchdown return by Nick Collins shortly before halftime.
Im just doing what Im doing, getting better and hopefully I can get a shot at the Pro Bowl next year, Bush said.
Bush admitted its gratifying to have silenced many of the naysayers.
When the Packers resigned Bush to a three-year free agent contract in March, 2009, many thought Packers general manager Ted Thompson had made a mistake. But Bush was a solid special teams player in 2009 and has elevated his game in 2010.
Bush continues to struggle as Green Bays dime back. Last week, he allowed a 24-yard touchdown to Eagles No. 3 wideout Jason Avant.
But his play as a special teams standout has turned heads.
Im grateful that I was able to prove people wrong, said Bush, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2006. The Internet stuff, the talk radio stuff, I really dont pay attention to any of that. I hear about it. But if you focus on that, youre not focusing on what you need to do. Im focused on what I have to do.
And no matter what people say, Im here for a reason. No matter what theyre saying on the blogs or whatever, its not distracting me in no way. I just have to stay focused on the game and do my job, which is to keep winning.
I knew in my heart that I would be able to get it done on the field. The game has slowed down a little bit for me this year and Ive just focused on my job to help us keep getting better.
Bush knows the Packers will have their hands full with Falcons return ace Eric Weems Saturday.
Weems averaged 27.5 yards per kick return this season and had a 102-yard touchdown. He also averaged 12.8 yards per punt return and had a 55-yard touchdown.
Weems also had an enormous 40-yard kickoff return against Green Bay that set the Falcons up for a game-winning field goal in their 20-17 win on Nov. 28.
Hes great at what he does, Bush said of Weems. But weve gotten better all year long, and I think well be ready for him.
Thanks in large part to Bush.