"Moments after the New Orleans Saints made the surprising move to trade running back/punt returner Reggie Bush to the Miami Dolphins in late July, the questions began in earnest. Who would be the Saints' playmaker out of the backfield? How would the team manage without Bush's pass catching? Where would they find another punt returner?

Little did the questioners know at the time, the Saints already had a plan. They signed diminutive free agent running back/return man Darren Sproles hours later.

Judging by Thursday night's 42-34 season opening loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, the move the Saints made already is paying dividends."