CJ Spiller (1 Viewer)

[andrew11]

Last year CJ Spiller was one of the most hyped rookies. He obviously failed to live up to his potential. Last year he was going around the 6th round. This year it looks like he is going in the 8th. Seems to me like he could be a great value RB with upside in PPR leagues. Fred Jackson in still the starter but Spiller is clearly the future.

What do you think? Is he a good guy to target in the middle of the draft? Any better options out there?

 

[Insein]

Last year CJ Spiller was one of the most hyped rookies. He obviously failed to live up to his potential. Last year he was going around the 6th round. This year it looks like he is going in the 8th. Seems to me like he could be a great value RB with upside in PPR leagues. Fred Jackson in still the starter but Spiller is clearly the future. What do you think? Is he a good guy to target in the middle of the draft? Any better options out there?

With Lynch out of the way for the full season, its a much better situation IMO. I think Spiller could be a solid contributor this year now that he has a year under his belt to learn the NFL ropes. He'll be the direct backup and probably get any where from 100 to 150 carries. 8th and beyond isn't bad for a guy like that with the chance for him to be a starter by seasons end depending on Fred Jackson's health and play.

 

[TheFanatic]

I know what can be seen here. Don't listen to Gian when he hypes a rookie RB.

 

[gianmarco]

(KFFL) Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson said he is unhappy after practice Monday, Aug. 22, saying he feels underappreciated and uncertain of where he stands. "I feel like a No. 1 back," Jackson said. "I feel like I should be treated like one, know what's going on, know where I stand and what the situation is." His unhappiness stems from the fact RB CJ Spiller started the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 20, against the Denver Broncos and received most of the playing time with starters.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I know what can be seen here. Don't listen to Gian when he hypes a rookie RB.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I'd buy in dynasty leagues. In redraft leagues he's worth a late round pick.

 

[habsfan]

Fred Jackson in still the starter but Spiller is clearly the future.

Spiller is clearly younger. The "future" part remains to be seen.I can buy what people are selling in terms of talent and time to figure it all out etc but what nags at me here is the fact that Spiller has been completely ineffective in the same situation that the supposedly "average talent" Jackson has managed to produce fairly decent production in.Spiller could be nothing more than a very nice accent piece being asked to do what is required of a feature back.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Fred Jackson in still the starter but Spiller is clearly the future.

Spiller is clearly younger. The "future" part remains to be seen.I can buy what people are selling in terms of talent and time to figure it all out etc but what nags at me here is the fact that Spiller has been completely ineffective in the same situation that the supposedly "average talent" Jackson has managed to produce fairly decent production in.Spiller could be nothing more than a very nice accent piece being asked to do what is required of a feature back.

Spiller looked solid the last preseason game. Other than the play where a defender met him literally as he was handed the ball - something like 7 yards in the backfield - leading to an 8-yard loss. Very hard to pin that on Spiller (even though plenty in the SP have done that).Did you watch the game?

 

[scrumptrulescent]

I could see Spiller becoming Jamaal Charles 2.0.

 

[habsfan]

Fred Jackson in still the starter but Spiller is clearly the future.

Spiller is clearly younger. The "future" part remains to be seen.I can buy what people are selling in terms of talent and time to figure it all out etc but what nags at me here is the fact that Spiller has been completely ineffective in the same situation that the supposedly "average talent" Jackson has managed to produce fairly decent production in.Spiller could be nothing more than a very nice accent piece being asked to do what is required of a feature back.

Spiller looked solid the last preseason game. Other than the play where a defender met him literally as he was handed the ball - something like 7 yards in the backfield - leading to an 8-yard loss. Very hard to pin that on Spiller (even though plenty in the SP have done that).Did you watch the game?

I didn't actually, my observations were based more on last season.From a fantasy perspective, I like both where they're available. I think you have to "collect the whole set" though and wait to see how it shakes out.

 

[JbizzleMan]

Rotoworld absolutely hates Spiller...never read anything positive about him.

 

[TheFanatic]

Fred Jackson in still the starter but Spiller is clearly the future.

Spiller is clearly younger. The "future" part remains to be seen.I can buy what people are selling in terms of talent and time to figure it all out etc but what nags at me here is the fact that Spiller has been completely ineffective in the same situation that the supposedly "average talent" Jackson has managed to produce fairly decent production in.Spiller could be nothing more than a very nice accent piece being asked to do what is required of a feature back.

Spiller looked solid the last preseason game. Other than the play where a defender met him literally as he was handed the ball - something like 7 yards in the backfield - leading to an 8-yard loss. Very hard to pin that on Spiller (even though plenty in the SP have done that).Did you watch the game?

I caught some of the game and saw some really nice runs and then saw the stat line and couldn't figure out how he had so few yards. I didn't see the hit in the backfield. I still think the guy blows, but he had a couple nice runs in that game...

 

[rascal]

That game was also against Denver who had the worst defense in decades??? last year. They are improved this year, but I don't think I would want to touch any BUF RB.

 

[Grahamburn]

It's not like you have to invest a lot to get him. RB41 in round 10? If he does anything for your team he's worth that pick.

I wouldn't get too excited, but the Bills are going to make the effort to give this guy an opportunity to succeed. They have to.

 

[Tanner9919]

Fred Jackson in still the starter but Spiller is clearly the future.

Spiller is clearly younger. The "future" part remains to be seen.I can buy what people are selling in terms of talent and time to figure it all out etc but what nags at me here is the fact that Spiller has been completely ineffective in the same situation that the supposedly "average talent" Jackson has managed to produce fairly decent production in.Spiller could be nothing more than a very nice accent piece being asked to do what is required of a feature back.

Spiller looked solid the last preseason game. Other than the play where a defender met him literally as he was handed the ball - something like 7 yards in the backfield - leading to an 8-yard loss. Very hard to pin that on Spiller (even though plenty in the SP have done that).Did you watch the game?

Jackson 7-52 in preseason...he looks solid.Spiller 8-13, 1.6 per carry..Jackson is the best low-end #2-high #3 that no one is talking about.He might not be in Buffalo next year, but he's money as a quality fantasy player this season..Spiller is a wasted pick. I learned that the hard way last season, the guy isn't worth peanuts.he's a big time bust.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Spiller is a pretty low risk option that could give you some value in PPR leagues but I just haven't seen anything from him to indicate he's ready to replace Fred Jackson as the feature back. He looks better than he did last year, but that's not saying a whole lot.

The Bills definitely gave him the start this week though and certainly appear to be trying to prepare him for a bigger role on offense this year. Jackson is clearly the better all around back though.

 

[iNeedCoffee]

If he's there after the 10th round in my drafts, I will draft him. That's only after the 10th round.

 

[Insein]

Fred Jackson in still the starter but Spiller is clearly the future.

Spiller is clearly younger. The "future" part remains to be seen.I can buy what people are selling in terms of talent and time to figure it all out etc but what nags at me here is the fact that Spiller has been completely ineffective in the same situation that the supposedly "average talent" Jackson has managed to produce fairly decent production in.Spiller could be nothing more than a very nice accent piece being asked to do what is required of a feature back.

Spiller looked solid the last preseason game. Other than the play where a defender met him literally as he was handed the ball - something like 7 yards in the backfield - leading to an 8-yard loss. Very hard to pin that on Spiller (even though plenty in the SP have done that).Did you watch the game?

Jackson 7-52 in preseason...he looks solid.Spiller 8-13, 1.6 per carry..Jackson is the best low-end #2-high #3 that no one is talking about.He might not be in Buffalo next year, but he's money as a quality fantasy player this season..Spiller is a wasted pick. I learned that the hard way last season, the guy isn't worth peanuts.he's a big time bust.

Now thats going too far the opposite way and its coming from a scorned owner. Taking rookie RB's is an immense risk. You usually are giving a very high draft pick for a completely unproven commodity. I've been burned many times over the years; Darren Mcfadden 5th, Marshawn Lynch 4th (mostly), JJ Arrington 4th. I've also found diamonds in the rough; Joe Addai 10th, Anthony Thomas 5th. Its a HUGE risk though to rely on a rookie. I tend to avoid them altogether now because their ADP usually doesn't justify taking them. Last year Ryan Matthews was 1st round projected. CJ Spiller was 3rd or 4th. Both busts. Jahvid Best was going in the 4th or 5th and had some success. Legarette Blount was a waiver wire pickup and proved to be a stud down the stretch. Its very hard to predict who will be the breakouts and just not worth giving up a high draft pick for someone that has no track record in the pros. Now spiller this year is going in the 9th round and up. That is worth a shot at a guy who could be the starter by the end of the year. If he busts, it only cost you a late round pick.

 

[BoltzNBrew]

Anyone notice Bills O-line was getting mauled by DEN D? Doesn't matter who is back there, I dont expect much out of BUF RBs this year.

 

[Shutout]

I could see Spiller becoming Jamaal Charles 2.0.

I see him becoming J.J. Arrington 2.0.The kid does not have what Chan gailey teams do best.I really think this is going to be a situation where he will never produce in Buffalo. Its going to take a change in scenery (and that's not a bad thing...sometimes players just do better once they leave the system they are in and find something that suits them better).

 

[LarryAllen'sJockstrap]

I'd take a chance on him; the #9 pick in the draft last year on a team with few weapons. They'd be crazy not to get him the ball one way or another. Not saying he is going to produce, but where he is being drafted, the risk is worth the upside IMO.

 

[gianmarco]

(KFFL) Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson said he is angry and confused over the team's decision to start RB CJ Spiller in the team's last preseason game. Jackson feels he should be the No. 1 running back. "I was shocked," Jackson said. "I feel like a No. 1 back, and I should be treated like one. As far as what's going on, you would have to ask them. I'm going to come out here and compete. I feel like I have been competing. I feel like I have done everything I can. It's been like that for two or three years, and nothing has changed." He could ask for a trade if the Bills hand his job to Spiller. "If that's an avenue I have to take, I would definitely be open to it," Jackson said.

Words getting pretty strong and you can't think the coaching staff will like hearing about it.

 

[Trizzler]

(KFFL) Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson said he is angry and confused over the team's decision to start RB CJ Spiller in the team's last preseason game. Jackson feels he should be the No. 1 running back. "I was shocked," Jackson said. "I feel like a No. 1 back, and I should be treated like one. As far as what's going on, you would have to ask them. I'm going to come out here and compete. I feel like I have been competing. I feel like I have done everything I can. It's been like that for two or three years, and nothing has changed." He could ask for a trade if the Bills hand his job to Spiller. "If that's an avenue I have to take, I would definitely be open to it," Jackson said.

Words getting pretty strong and you can't think the coaching staff will like hearing about it.

Wow, very interesting words considering that Jackson really shouldn't care about a preseason start.There's obviously more to this. The coaching staff must have stated that their goal is to make Spiller the main guy this season.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

the problem is the coaching staff isn't telling Jackson what is up and seems to be giving Spiller a legit opportunity to unseat him as the starter. Which really shouldn't be a big deal, except that Spiller hasn't shown enough yet to really justify getting that start.

Jackson has a right to be upset. Most #1 RBs get rested in the preseason but it's a sign of respect to at least give him the start and play for the first series or so.

I think the Tim Graham tweet from a few days ago sparked this a bit.

 

[travdogg]

the problem is the coaching staff isn't telling Jackson what is up and seems to be giving Spiller a legit opportunity to unseat him as the starter. Jackson has a right to be upset. Most #1 RBs get rested in the preseason but it's a sign of respect to at least give him the start and play for the first series or so.

Why shouldn't Spiller get every chance to unseat Jackson? He's the one they have the huge investment in. If Jackson is better let him prove it on the field, it looked to be the case last year, but maybe Spiller has taken a leap in year 2 and we just haven't seen it yet.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Bills have said it is Spillers job to lose. I'm not optimistic about Spiller but he was the #9 overall pick last year so barring an injury they are going to try and feed him the ball. The problem is Spiller is closer to a 200lb back than a 225lb back. He needs space and the Bills are not a team that creates space. I am sort of dumbfounded why they drafted Spiller without a plan...so far they don't have much of a plan for him. Spiller to me is a guy that you put the ball in his hands maybe 12-15 times a game with receptions so he is more of a COP back but should have some pop in his step...again so far we have seen none of that.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

the problem is the coaching staff isn't telling Jackson what is up and seems to be giving Spiller a legit opportunity to unseat him as the starter. Jackson has a right to be upset. Most #1 RBs get rested in the preseason but it's a sign of respect to at least give him the start and play for the first series or so.

Why shouldn't Spiller get every chance to unseat Jackson? He's the one they have the huge investment in. If Jackson is better let him prove it on the field, it looked to be the case last year, but maybe Spiller has taken a leap in year 2 and we just haven't seen it yet.

he has proven it on the field. repeatedly.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

The Bills have said it is Spillers job to lose.

they have?

 

[Trizzler]

Neither RB is being drafted high enough in any league to be considered a starter, (unless you really reached for Jackson) so fortunately we'll have the first few weeks to keep an eye on the situation and judge the true value of both.

My guess is that we'll see a full-blown RBBC to begin the season. If things head downhill fast for the Bills, it seems logical that they would play Spiller even more to see what their draft needs are in 2012. However, assuming the Bills can hang near .500 till the bye, they're going to need Jackson's veteran skills to support the offense.

They have a mediocre opening schedule- but they could easily start off 3-3 with strong coaching and precision play from Fitzpatrick.

Week 1 @ KC

Week 2 Oakland

Week 3 NE

Week 4 @ Cincy

Week 5 Philly

Week 6 @ NYG

 

[TheFanatic]

The Bills have said it is Spillers job to lose. I'm not optimistic about Spiller but he was the #9 overall pick last year so barring an injury they are going to try and feed him the ball. The problem is Spiller is close to a 200lb back than a 225lb back. He needs space and the Bills are not a team that creates space. I am sort of dumbfounded why they drafted Spiller without a plan...so fat they don't have much of a plan for him. Spiller to me is a guy that you put the ball in his hands maybe 12-15 times a game with receptions so he is more of a COP back but should have some pop in his step...again so far we have seen none of that.

The Bills remind me of the guys on the local message boards here in St. Louis that are pissed the Rams don't have more playmakers and wonder why they spent all those high draft picks on interior linemen. They don't get that the game is won and lost at the LOS. That if linemen don't keep the defenders off the QB, the QB is never getting the ball to the playmaking WR. Or if that line isn't opening holes, that RB drafted top 10 is going to get stuffed left and right unless he happens to be the second coming of Barry Sanders.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Bills have said it is Spillers job to lose.

they have?

Tim Graham of the Buffalo News reported that he was told that this season it is Spiller's job to lose. Also Fred Jackson is irritated that he was demoted for the preseason starts and I can't say I blame him. I'm not trying to be MR KIA on the Bills, just going by some of the blurbs I have been reading. Honestly I don't see a lot of upside for Spiller with the OL he has right now. Jackson is much better suited for it as he will find yards IMO that Spiller won't. He'll break the first tackle and make it 2nd and 7 instead of 2nd and 11 as Spiller likes to do. There are links on RotoWorld and TheRedone and I bet FBG probably has them in their news feeder that runs if you want to look up what was said. You may interpret the info differently Aaron, you live up that way so maybe you have better info.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

The Bills have said it is Spillers job to lose.

they have?

Tim Graham of the Buffalo News reported that he was told that this season it is Spiller's job to lose. Also Fred Jackson is irritated that he was demoted for the preseason starts and I can't say I blame him. I'm not trying to be MR KIA on the Bills, just going by some of the blurbs I have been reading. Honestly I don't see a lot of upside for Spiller with the OL he has right now. Jackson is much better suited for it as he will find yards IMO that Spiller won't. He'll break the first tackle and make it 2nd and 7 instead of 2nd and 11 as Spiller likes to do. There are links on RotoWorld and TheRedone and I bet FBG probably has them in their news feeder that runs if you want to look up what was said. You may interpret the info differently Aaron, you live up that way so maybe you have better info.

Tim Graham doesn't even cover the team anymore, but yes he said those were the rumors he was hearing. In a tweet. I've said in another thread here that I believe he has good contacts so there is likely something to this.However, your comment made it sound like someone associated with the team, like a coach for example, made that statement publically. This has not happened.Gailey has said the opposite in fact.I know what was said. I follow the team very closely.If you can show me a statement of someone from the Bills organization saying the job is Spiller's to lose, go for it.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Bills have said it is Spillers job to lose.

they have?

Tim Graham of the Buffalo News reported that he was told that this season it is Spiller's job to lose. Also Fred Jackson is irritated that he was demoted for the preseason starts and I can't say I blame him.

I'm not trying to be MR KIA on the Bills, just going by some of the blurbs I have been reading. Honestly I don't see a lot of upside for Spiller with the OL he has right now. Jackson is much better suited for it as he will find yards IMO that Spiller won't. He'll break the first tackle and make it 2nd and 7 instead of 2nd and 11 as Spiller likes to do.

There are links on RotoWorld and TheRedone and I bet FBG probably has them in their news feeder that runs if you want to look up what was said.

You may interpret the info differently Aaron, you live up that way so maybe you have better info.

Tim Graham doesn't even cover the team anymore, but yes he said those were the rumors he was hearing.However, your comment made it sound like someone associated with the team, like a coach for example, made that statement. This has not happened.

Gailey has said the opposite in fact.

I know what was said. I follow the team very closely.

If you can show me a statement of someone from the Bills organization saying the job is Spiller's to lose, go for it.

It was on Roto, Red Zone, maybe I didn't read it close enough, but the headline was "Spiller's job to lose" and that was 2 days ago and that was referenced by Tim Graham and his twitter. Who started Game 2 and who is starting Game 3? Why is Fred Jackson so upset?

Fred Jackson was quoted on Monday as saying he was frustrated the Bills are demoting him.

Here is the quote..."I feel like a No. 1 back," Jackson said. "I feel like I should be treated like one, know what's going on, know where I stand and what the situation is."



Is there a reason a guy who follows them closely is acting like I am dreaming this situation up out of thin air?





Here is a little more..Running back Fred Jackson feels like he's in limbo with the Buffalo Bills. Jackson was shocked last Thursday when he was told 2010 first-round pick C.J. Spiller would be starting in front of him in the teams second preseason game.

"I was shocked," Jackson told Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News. "I feel like a No. 1 back, and I should be treated like one. As far as what's going on, you would have to ask them. I'm going to come out here and compete. I feel like I have been competing. I feel like I have done everything I can. It's been like that for two or three years, and nothing has changed."

Jackson has two years left on his four-year contract with the Bills. He could ask for a trade if the Bills give Spiller the starting job.

"If that's an avenue I have to take, I would definitely be open to it," Jackson said. "I want to play as much as possible. Like I said, I feel like I'm a No. 1 guy and should be getting touches like a No. 1 guy. Let me know what's going on. I don't feel like I should be kept in the dark on anything. I have no idea. I would like to know where I stand."

Bills coach Chan Gailey was surprised Monday when told about Jackson's reaction and said Jackson was "a little ahead" of Spiller on the depth chart.

"I told him what we were going to do," Gailey said. "Nothing has changed on our thoughts with Fred and where Fred is for our football team. He's a major part of what we're trying to get done here. I would hate for somebody to feel [underappreciated] because it's not true from my standpoint."

"It's very frustrating," Jackson said. "All I can do is continue to do what I've been doing. Hopefully, something changes."



Sounds like he wants out of Buffalo

 

[Alex P Keaton]

The Bills have said it is Spillers job to lose.

they have?

Tim Graham of the Buffalo News reported that he was told that this season it is Spiller's job to lose. Also Fred Jackson is irritated that he was demoted for the preseason starts and I can't say I blame him.

I'm not trying to be MR KIA on the Bills, just going by some of the blurbs I have been reading. Honestly I don't see a lot of upside for Spiller with the OL he has right now. Jackson is much better suited for it as he will find yards IMO that Spiller won't. He'll break the first tackle and make it 2nd and 7 instead of 2nd and 11 as Spiller likes to do.

There are links on RotoWorld and TheRedone and I bet FBG probably has them in their news feeder that runs if you want to look up what was said.

You may interpret the info differently Aaron, you live up that way so maybe you have better info.

Tim Graham doesn't even cover the team anymore, but yes he said those were the rumors he was hearing. In a tweet. I've said in another thread here that I believe he has good contacts so there is likely something to this.However, your comment made it sound like someone associated with the team, like a coach for example, made that statement publically. This has not happened.

Gailey has said the opposite in fact.

I know what was said. I follow the team very closely.

If you can show me a statement of someone from the Bills organization saying the job is Spiller's to lose, go for it.

Not questioning you, but do you have a link?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Not questioning you, but do you have a link?

http://blogs.buffalobills.com/

Fred still top back

Posted by Chris Brown on August 22, 2011 – 8:38 pm

Though there may be a debate out there about the lead or feature back for the Bills, as far as Chan Gailey is concerned it’s still Fred Jackson.

“I think probably the best way to talk about it right now is I think they’re both number one backs,” said Gailey when asked where Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller stand on the depth chart. ”Fred is a little bit ahead right now, but I think they’re both number one backs.”

Jackson voiced concern over not knowing where he stands, but Gailey clearly intends for Jackson to be a key part of the offense this season.

“Nothing has changed with our thoughts with Fred or where Fred is with our football team,” said Gailey. ”He’s a major part of what we’re trying to get done here.”

Jackson has seen himself get passed over in the past only to eventually win the starting job based on his superior production. He expressed concerns after practice Monday that he wasn’t sure where he stood after Spiller got some extended work in Saturday’s game at Denver and a heavy dose of work in practice Monday.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Sounds like he wants out of Buffalo

no it doesn't. it sounds like he wants to be treated with respect and to get a heavy workload once the season begins.Gailey loses the locker room if he makes Spiller the starter right now, IMO.

 

[TheFanatic]

Sounds like he wants out of Buffalo

no it doesn't. it sounds like he wants to be treated with respect and to get a heavy workload once the season begins.Gailey loses the locker room if he makes Spiller the starter right now, IMO.

Actually, it sounds to me that he does want out of Buffalo if he isn't the featured guy. Sure, he would like to be the featured guy there, but if he can't he wants to be featured somewhere, anywhere. As for your second point, I'm not sure how you can guage the mood from a locker room. Has there been a poll of all the players on who they prefer and whether or not they would revolt should the other be taken? I'm having a hard time figuring out how to come up with what will or won't cause someone to lose a locker room. We're talking about 50 guys, not 20 like in hockey. 50 guys who are trying to keep their own jobs.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Sounds like he wants out of Buffalo

no it doesn't. it sounds like he wants to be treated with respect and to get a heavy workload once the season begins.Gailey loses the locker room if he makes Spiller the starter right now, IMO.

Actually, it sounds to me that he does want out of Buffalo if he isn't the featured guy. Sure, he would like to be the featured guy there, but if he can't he wants to be featured somewhere, anywhere. As for your second point, I'm not sure how you can guage the mood from a locker room. Has there been a poll of all the players on who they prefer and whether or not they would revolt should the other be taken? I'm having a hard time figuring out how to come up with what will or won't cause someone to lose a locker room. We're talking about 50 guys, not 20 like in hockey. 50 guys who are trying to keep their own jobs.

they already traded Lee Evans and much of the team was pretty upset about that.benching Jackson for an unproven rookie player who hasn't shown anything on the field is unlikely to help him, that's for sure.

I think this is all overblown anyway. Jackson will be the starter and Spiller will get more work as he proves he can handle it and be effective. The better he plays, the more work he will get.

But, Jackson should be able to hold him off for awhile. He just looks much better. He's just venting over not getting the start in a preseason game and the perception that the team is giving his starting role away.

This is still the same management group that traded away Lynch last year because they felt comfortable in Jackson as a feature back, and the same coaching staff that gave Jackson 250 touches compared to just 100 for Spiller.

 

[BigTex]

Spiller struggling to show he’s ready to start

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 21, 2011, 12:30 PM EDT

C.J. Spiller entered this training camp ready to put his sluggish rookie season behind him.

The Bills apparently have liked what they’ve seen. Tim Graham of the Buffalo News made this surprising statement before Saturday’s preseason game:

“Hearing more and more Bills top RB job is C.J. Spiller’s to lose, not Fred Jackson’s,” Graham wrote.

That notion was supported on Saturday night, when Spiller started over Jackson, Buffalo’s most versatile and unappreciated offensive player for years. Jackson has 2,575 yards from scrimmage the last two seasons.

It’s clear the Bills have high hopes for Spiller, but he hasn’t shown the consistency in games yet. Spiller ran six times for 10 yards on Saturday night against Denver. He caught two passes for 11 yards.

“I thought C.J. did a couple of nice things there,” said coach Chan Gailey. “He hit some runs, hit some creases. He ran up in there. He held onto the ball. . . . We wanted to look at him tonight to see where he’s made progress and I thought he did make progress. That was a positive.”

This is how BuffaloBills.com worded it:

“Spiller’s first three carries went for 19 yards. He also had a couple of receptions for 11 yards.”

They completely decided to omit the glaring fact Spiller’s next three carries went for -9 yards. Fred Jackson, who avoids negative plays, rushed four times for 34 yards. Spiller has 13 yards on eight preseason carries.

We understand the Bills want Spiller to be a huge factor. Perhaps he will be.

He still has a long way to go to prove he’s a better player than Fred Jackson.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/21/spiller-struggling-to-show-hes-ready-to-start/

 

[VAColt]

Spiller struggling to show hes ready to start

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 21, 2011, 12:30 PM EDT

C.J. Spiller entered this training camp ready to put his sluggish rookie season behind him.

The Bills apparently have liked what theyve seen. Tim Graham of the Buffalo News made this surprising statement before Saturdays preseason game:

Hearing more and more Bills top RB job is C.J. Spillers to lose, not Fred Jacksons, Graham wrote.

That notion was supported on Saturday night, when Spiller started over Jackson, Buffalos most versatile and unappreciated offensive player for years. Jackson has 2,575 yards from scrimmage the last two seasons.

Its clear the Bills have high hopes for Spiller, but he hasnt shown the consistency in games yet. Spiller ran six times for 10 yards on Saturday night against Denver. He caught two passes for 11 yards.

I thought C.J. did a couple of nice things there, said coach Chan Gailey. He hit some runs, hit some creases. He ran up in there. He held onto the ball. . . . We wanted to look at him tonight to see where hes made progress and I thought he did make progress. That was a positive.

This is how BuffaloBills.com worded it:

Spillers first three carries went for 19 yards. He also had a couple of receptions for 11 yards.

They completely decided to omit the glaring fact Spillers next three carries went for -9 yards. Fred Jackson, who avoids negative plays, rushed four times for 34 yards. Spiller has 13 yards on eight preseason carries.

We understand the Bills want Spiller to be a huge factor. Perhaps he will be.

He still has a long way to go to prove hes a better player than Fred Jackson.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/21/spiller-struggling-to-show-hes-ready-to-start/

I like how he omits the part that those -9 yards come on 2 plays that defenders were in the backfield before CJ got the ball. The -8 yard loss came in a shotgun formation and Drumerville had pushed his guy back to the QB and almost could have taken the handoff himself. CJ got pushed by his own lineman and Drumerville into the QB but made a nice move to get away and tried to get outside but by that time the D had reacted and closed off that side of the field. Jackson would have lost 7 to 9 yards on that play as well. All in all they both played about equal and the bigger issue is the O line. Spiller did miss a blitz pickup but so did the QB and the TE on that play so not sure if you can put it all on the RB.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I think Spiller suprises people, Fred Jackson is opening his mouth feeling under-appreciated, he see's it too. While the TD's wont be there, I like Spiller as a RB3 with upside for sure in PPR leagues, The Bills have been running alot of screens, and ways to get him into space. Nothing wrong with a 30 rush yards, 4 catches 30 yards stat line on a consistant basis.

 

[moderated]

it's pretty clear based on Fred Jackson's reaction that something is up. If Fred Jackson feels he is being demoted to a back-up role then it's hard to argue with him. He's actually on the team and knows what's going on.

I'll trust Freddy Jax on this one.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I could see Spiller becoming Jamaal Charles 2.0.

Only in the madden football game. Spiller doesn't have Charles mentality to run between the tackles or his toughness.

 

[moderated]

I could see Spiller becoming Jamaal Charles 2.0.

Only in the madden football game. Spiller doesn't have Charles mentality to run between the tackles or his toughness.

Charles didn't have that his rookie year either though.

 

[kutta]

Sounds like he wants out of Buffalo

no it doesn't. it sounds like he wants to be treated with respect and to get a heavy workload once the season begins.Gailey loses the locker room if he makes Spiller the starter right now, IMO.

Sounds like he's well on his way to losing it already.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I could see Spiller becoming Jamaal Charles 2.0.

Only in the madden football game. Spiller doesn't have Charles mentality to run between the tackles or his toughness.

Charles didn't have that his rookie year either though.

Charles had it in college, so I find that odd.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Sounds like he wants out of Buffalo

no it doesn't. it sounds like he wants to be treated with respect and to get a heavy workload once the season begins.Gailey loses the locker room if he makes Spiller the starter right now, IMO.

Sounds like he's well on his way to losing it already.

maybe it's all part of the plan to get Luck.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Not questioning you, but do you have a link?

http://blogs.buffalobills.com/

Fred still top back

Posted by Chris Brown on August 22, 2011 – 8:38 pm

Though there may be a debate out there about the lead or feature back for the Bills, as far as Chan Gailey is concerned it’s still Fred Jackson.

“I think probably the best way to talk about it right now is I think they’re both number one backs,” said Gailey when asked where Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller stand on the depth chart. ”Fred is a little bit ahead right now, but I think they’re both number one backs.”

Jackson voiced concern over not knowing where he stands, but Gailey clearly intends for Jackson to be a key part of the offense this season.

“Nothing has changed with our thoughts with Fred or where Fred is with our football team,” said Gailey. ”He’s a major part of what we’re trying to get done here.”

Jackson has seen himself get passed over in the past only to eventually win the starting job based on his superior production. He expressed concerns after practice Monday that he wasn’t sure where he stood after Spiller got some extended work in Saturday’s game at Denver and a heavy dose of work in practice Monday.

Thx A-Rud.

 

[Mr Rodgers neighborhood]

Sounds like he wants out of Buffalo

no it doesn't. it sounds like he wants to be treated with respect and to get a heavy workload once the season begins.Gailey loses the locker room if he makes Spiller the starter right now, IMO.

Someone needs to remind Fred Jackson that he's Fred Jackson.

 

[Mr Rodgers neighborhood]

I could see Spiller becoming Jamaal Charles 2.0.

Only in the madden football game. Spiller doesn't have Charles mentality to run between the tackles or his toughness.

What were people saying about Charles heading into his second year? Exactly. Charles hadn't shown that mentality, nor toughness. Hindsight is 20/20.