ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are third in total offense, but just 11th in points per game. They've lost five of their past six games and are 7-8 overall.

Why?

Reggie Bush, the one guy in that locker room who has won a Super Bowl, has an idea.

Reggie Bush had a roller-coaster first season with the Lions.

"I think our chemistry as a team," the tailback said. "There were certain games where the offense was playing well and the defense struggled. Then there were games where the defense played well and the offense struggled. There were games where -- I think of the Philadelphia game -- where special teams played lights out and the offense and defense couldn't get it together.

"I just think that maybe our chemistry as a team definitely struggled a little bit. And then obviously the turnovers and big plays -- making big plays when needed."

Asked to clarify what chemistry was lacking, Bush said "as a team, when you have that mentality of no matter what the situation is, you can always overcome it and come out with a win. That type of chemistry. Just that."

And how can the Lions fix that problem?

"It begins in the offseason," Bush said. "It's not something that happens overnight. From my experience, it's something that builds. It's a culture, a mentality that's built from the offseason and not in Week 1 or Week 2."

Bush is an eighth-year veteran who is concluding his first season in Detroit. He's racked up 974 rushing yards, already the third most of his career.

He's just 12 yards from his second-best season, and could match a career high with 112 yards in Sunday's season finale against Minnesota.

He needs just 26 yards to become Detroit's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2004, the longest drought in the NFL.

But Bush also has been a poster boy for the Lions' struggles in securing the ball. He's lost four fumbles this year, the most among all NFL tailbacks.

"It's been a roller-coaster," Bush said. "It's been up and down."

What can he do to better secure the ball next season?

"I'll let you know when I get there," Bush said.