National Football League

Bush says Lions have what it takes to win it all

Published Jun. 4, 2013 11:05 p.m. ET

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Reggie Bush has been with the Detroit Lions for a little more than two months and already likes what he sees.

A lot.

''We have the guys here to be able to win a Super Bowl,'' the speedy running back said Tuesday. ''Obviously with that said, there's a lot that has to go into the season, the scheme, this offseason, before we can even think about that. Right now, we just have to think about doing the little things right, coming together and building that chemistry.''

Bush did his part during an optional workout, working on passing routes with Matthew Stafford on one side of the field while the rest of the team was participating in or watching another drill.

''Those little things help, they make a big difference,'' Bush said.

Detroit has made some big moves - such as signing Bush to a four-year deal in March - and subtle ones to reshape its roster in the hopes of bouncing back from a four-win season that ended with an eight-game losing streak.

Like Bush, team vice chairman Bill Ford has liked what he has seen the Martin Mayhew-led front office do this season to make this season more similar to 2011, when the Lions won 10 games and made it to the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.

''I like the talent on the team,'' Ford said after watching the team's workout. ''Martin has done a great job. We have a lot more depth than we did going into prior seasons.''

Ford didn't want to make predictions, but he likes the team's chances.

''We've got a quarterback and there are teams in the league that can't say that,'' Ford said. ''And obviously, we have a lot of talent around this quarterback as well, so, those are reasons. Defensively, I think we've added important pieces. And, I feel very good about the direction.''

Ford was supportive of coach Jim Schwartz, but he didn't exactly rave about the coach with a 22-42 record over the last four years after he inherited a team coming off the NFL's first 0-16 season.

''I think Jim would be the first to admit there have been times that he has learned on the job, but I think he's a very, very good coach,'' Ford said.

Schwartz's chances of being successful this year seem to be improving daily because Mayhew seems to improving the roster with a series of signings and waiver claims.

Detroit signed two veteran guards, Leroy Harris and Jake Scott, to compete to start at right guard. The Lions also brought in Michael Spurlock to add depth at receiver and on special teams.

''They have a pretty prolific offense, so I am excited to be here,'' said Harris, who is recovering from surgery on his right knee. ''And, I hopefully should be good to go by training camp.''

Soon after the start of free agency, safety Glover Quinn and defensive end Jason Jones were signed to be starters. Kicker David Akers, special teams ace Montell Owens, receiver Devin Thomas and defensive tackle C.J. Mosley have also been added to address voids.

''This is the year for us,'' Jones said. ''We have to do some big things.''

Bush expects the offense, with receiver Calvin Johnson, to dominate like the Super Bowl-winning Saints team he played on did during the 2009 season.

''There's no excuse for us not to be a top-three offense, even No. 1,'' Bush said. ''We have all the guys here of that caliber to be a top-ranked offense. It's up to us now, putting in the work.''

Notes: DT Nick Fairley was not attend the optional workout, ''He chose not to be here and it's voluntary,'' Schwartz said. ... Johnson didn't practice, getting a day of rest from Schwartz. ... The Lions cut WR Troy Burrell, TE Nathan Overbay and CB Lionel Smith to make room for Spurlock, Harris and Scott on the roster.

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Online: http://pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL

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