Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz said earlier this week that he benched Reggie Bush during Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers because the running back isn't a "mudder."
Bush disagreed with the assessment that he's not good in bad-weather situations, like the rain-soaked Pittsburgh field.
"I think the opposite," he said, per MLive.com.
The best rushing game of Bush's career, 203 yards, came in 2011 in snow in Buffalo. His best receiving game, 132 yards, happened in 2006 also in the snow, at Soldier Field, MLive pointed out.
"I pride myself on being able to run in all conditions. Know what I mean?" Bush said. "I think running in those kinds of conditions is, for me, it's better, because now defenders need to constantly be on their heels and toes. And when you can get guys off balance in the mud and when it's raining, it's kind of an advantage to the running back."
Rookie Theo Riddick -- who has been largely ineffective in limited time this season -- replaced Bush for portions of the second half. Even when Joique Bell was injured, Bush was still placed in a time share with the rookie.
Bush has lost two fumbles in three games, but Schwartz denied that was the reason for the benching.
The Lions' offense, as evidenced in the second half Sunday, needs Bush on the field to be effective. He is one of just two playmakers in the offense whom defenses must account for on every play.
*We recapped every Week 11 game on the latest "Around The League Podcast." *
