Former QB: Lions should use Reggie Bush as a receiver

The Miami Dolphins' blunder might be a blessing for the Detroit Lions.

According to Rich Gannon, a CBS Sports analyst and four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, Miami blew it by not using running back Reggie Bush more as a receiver.

"He wasn't involved as much in the passing game, which was a huge mistake," Gannon said in a phone interview.

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Bush, who signed a four-year deal with the Lions in March, was used more as a runner during his two years in Miami, where he totaled 2,072 rushing yards. But his receptions fell off dramatically.

In his first two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Bush caught 88 and 73 passes, respectively. His past two years as a Dolphin, he caught 43 and 35 passes. By comparison, Joique Bell led Lions running backs with 52 catches last year.

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Gannon sees Bush's involvement in the passing game as helping the overall effectiveness of the offense as well as aiding with protection issues.

"It may be a number of different things they do: running the football a little bit more, the increased use of the back with Reggie and the screen game," Gannon said. "That's an area I think they can be really, really good, because that's one area I thought he was underutilized last year in Miami. … But all that can take some of the edge off the pass rush."