The Chicago Bears have more in store for RB Michael Bush than being a goal-line and short-yardage back, but if that's the former Raider's chief role then it can be a critical one.
The average NFL conversion rate on third-and-one plays is 67 percent the past three seasons, and the Bears have traditionally struggled with the play and were successful just on 62 percent of their attempts last year. As good as Matt Forte has been, he has often left the field in short yardage.
Bush expressed a desire to be a bigger part of the offense early in camp, but at 6-1, 245 pounds, he better fits the short-yardage role.
"No one likes to be a battering ram. It just happens that way," he said.
Coaches plan to get him a few series, in addition to his specialized role, much the way they tried last year with Marion Barber and Chester Taylor before that.
Forte, now holding a new contract, is apparently fine with sharing carries.
"Every year I've been here, there's another guy that was brought in to push me or to help me out, basically," Forte said.
None proved the legitimate all-around threat that Bush is. He's been catching passes in an offense since college and has 879 NFL receiving yards, and considers himself a stron blocker.
Beyond Bush and Forte, the Bears have useful backs capable of carving out a niche in Kahlil Bell and Armando Allen.
"It's loaded all around," Bush said.
With a solid power back and the threat of a more potent passing game, it's possible the Bears are balanced enough offensively to push that third-and-short percentage to respectability.
Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLCHI.
