ColdBlueNorth Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 that Spiller is running a lot harder off tackle? Is Freddie rubbing off on him? There was a few plays where I was sure it was Fred in the backfield and it was CJ. It would be a very good development if the kid finally understands taking what the defense gives him - make himself small, running hard, with a lot less dancing around. This offense could use another weapon and if defenses are not tuned into Jackson by now they are on stupid pills, so I could see CJ becoming more involved. If nothing else, as a good change of pace back to spell Fred after one of his, "I'll take that 5 yard screen 50 yards thank you very much" plays.
Bill from NYC Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 that Spiller is running a lot harder off tackle? Is Freddie rubbing off on him? There was a few plays where I was sure it was Fred in the backfield and it was CJ. It would be a very good development if the kid finally understands taking what the defense gives him - make himself small, running hard, with a lot less dancing around. This offense could use another weapon and if defenses are not tuned into Jackson by now they are on stupid pills, so I could see CJ becoming more involved. If nothing else, as a good change of pace back to spell Fred after one of his, "I'll take that 5 yard screen 50 yards thank you very much" plays. Yeah.....those 16 yards from scrimmage sure do legitimize using a #9 selection in an NFL draft on him! Seriously, CJ gets a ton of room because he was drafted so high. I understand this. Whitner had supporters til the end as well. Who really wants to face the ugly fact that the team we love so much wasted premium draft picks? Like you, I hope that CJ can contribute to this football team. As a matter of fact he threw a nice block on a touchdown pass on Sunday. That said, the chances of him even approaching what one would want from a #9 running back are remote at best. Do you think Nix is glad that he made this selection as we speak? We never, ever will know, but I will always suspect that this pick was mandateded by Mr. Wilson.
poo Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 that Spiller is running a lot harder off tackle? Is Freddie rubbing off on him? There was a few plays where I was sure it was Fred in the backfield and it was CJ. It would be a very good development if the kid finally understands taking what the defense gives him - make himself small, running hard, with a lot less dancing around. This offense could use another weapon and if defenses are not tuned into Jackson by now they are on stupid pills, so I could see CJ becoming more involved. If nothing else, as a good change of pace back to spell Fred after one of his, "I'll take that 5 yard screen 50 yards thank you very much" plays. I agree with Freddie rubbing off on Spiller as well as agreeing with Freddie being straight amazing. Spiller has looked hesitant in hitting the holes in games past but now he seems to be turning up field quicker, rather than dancing behind the line. Maybe more so than Freddie's tutelage has been the excellent play of the offensive line this year. Spiller can commit easier when there are larger holes for him to run through. An increase in Spiller's ability or determination seems a reflection of the team's smashmouth style of football. Go Bills!
ColdBlueNorth Posted October 11, 2011 Author Posted October 11, 2011 Yeah.....those 16 yards from scrimmage sure do legitimize using a #9 selection in an NFL draft on him! Seriously, CJ gets a ton of room because he was drafted so high. I understand this. Whitner had supporters til the end as well. Who really wants to face the ugly fact that the team we love so much wasted premium draft picks? Like you, I hope that CJ can contribute to this football team. As a matter of fact he threw a nice block on a touchdown pass on Sunday. That said, the chances of him even approaching what one would want from a #9 running back are remote at best. Do you think Nix is glad that he made this selection as we speak? We never, ever will know, but I will always suspect that this pick was mandateded by Mr. Wilson. 16 yards on 2 carries, not too shabby yards/carry, but it is hard to fault Gailey for leaving Jackson in when he is playing at the absolute top of his game. I will never agree with the luxury pick for Spiller that Nix made (I feel that Gailey is really the one that wanted Spiller for his offense), we needed help on both sides of the line and a decent TE and I would have preferred to have seen them trade down for more picks on that first draft, but it is what it is and may still pay dividends. Buddy's second draft was defense, defense, and more defense. The jury is still out, but I think that Dareus, Sheppherd, Searcy, and Aaron Williams are going to develop into very good defensive players and this may go down as one of the more solid Bills drafts that we have seen in years - heck, even Hairston looked like a player on Sunday stepping in at LT. I am willing to be patient with Spiller as long as I see progress in his game and I see the kid getting stronger and running with a lot less hesitation. That first year it was a lot of dancing behind the line, a cloud of dust, and the slightest tap seemed to bring him down for a loss. He is playing much more solid this year, and it may have a bit to do with how spread out the defense is, but they often key on him when he is subbing for Jackson and he is still getting yards after the first hit. We may be very happy that Chan found ways to get Spiller at least a few touches each game if Jackson ever gets dinged up and needs to sit out a few games.
Chandemonium Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 I've noticed that he's been consistently making plays with his limited touches so far this season. He's even breaking tackles and playing physical. Yesterday on the play before the Nelson TD, he lowered his shoulder into Asomugha on the sideline and knocked him 5 yards out of bounds. I think he's at or getting to the point where he would be a #1 RB on most teams in the league. The fact that he's not there yet on this team is more a testament to Jackson than an indictment of Spiller.
JPicc2114 Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 Guy is averaging like 8 yards per carry... give him a break.
2020 Our Year For Sure Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 (edited) If you look at the 10-15 players that went after Spiller on draft day, there aren't a ton of legitimate candidates for the Bills at 9. I wish we had gone with Jason Pierre-Paul, but I dont remember anyone at the time having him tabbed as a top-10 prospect. The way the top 8 shook out left our options limited. This likely takes away any chance of a trade-down, and makes it easier to understand their gambling on the upside of Spiller to become a Chris Johnson or a Jamaal Charles. I don't believe Spiller will ever live up to those lofty expectations coming out of college. With that said, my answer to the thread title is yes; the kid's improvement seems obvious to me. His sense for where to go and how quickly to go there is immeasurably better. He probably won't do us much good while Captain Jackson is performing as one of the top halfbacks in the league, but he can be a useful player. Edited October 11, 2011 by Big Bad Boone
WildBills Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 i hope freddy is mentoring him. it would be nice if spiller would play with as much heart as jackson.
CSBill Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 that Spiller is running a lot harder off tackle? Is Freddie rubbing off on him? There was a few plays where I was sure it was Fred in the backfield and it was CJ. It would be a very good development if the kid finally understands taking what the defense gives him - make himself small, running hard, with a lot less dancing around. This offense could use another weapon and if defenses are not tuned into Jackson by now they are on stupid pills, so I could see CJ becoming more involved. If nothing else, as a good change of pace back to spell Fred after one of his, "I'll take that 5 yard screen 50 yards thank you very much" plays. yes I did, and lets hope Freddy is influencing him! The one time, I actually thought it was Jackson base on the effort and style. If CJ starts emulating FJ, it will be a good thing for all involved.
rpcolosi Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 spiller's been playing well. Remember Aaron rodgers... He sat for a few years behind Favre. Give Spiller a flipping break. He's sitting behind a RB who's playing his tail off. Long term this can be great for CJ. Not to mention - he IS running much more patiently and hitting holes a ton harder, like Fred. For the guy's questioning Gailey wanting CJ, just remember Gailey is the same coach who recruited Calvin Johnson. The dude knows talent. One thing i did notice at the game about CJ that was different - During some kickoffs he was up by the LOS, including on the 'fake' that Andra Davis jumped on. I wonder if Dehaven knew something was coming or what - but great way to have the ST prepared and have your best hands guy, CJ, up there.
maryland-bills-fan Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 I agree Spiller has looked much better lately. On the few runs he made the last couple of games, he looked exactly like a clone of Fred Jackson out there. I had to look at the number on the jersey twice to check that it actually wasn't Jackson. I think "the light has gone on" for Spiller, its just that he is stuck behind a guy who is right now playing as one of the top 5 backs in the league. Maybe Gailey/Nix weren't completely sold on Jackson and now they have two clones in place. Spiller (on one play where he broke up the sideline) is noticably faster than Jackson, but Jackson seems to have more strength and tackle breaking ability. In terms of the draft pick being wasted, I really don't see any OMYGOD-weMISSEDoutON guys being drafted right behind Spiller. 9 Bills C.J. Spiller RB 10 Jaguars Tyson Alualu DE 11 49ers Anthony Davis OT 12 Chargers Ryan Mathews RB 13 Eagles Brandon Graham DE 14 Seahawks Earl Thomas SS 15 Giants Jason Pierre-Paul DE 16 Titans Derrick Morgan DE 17 49ers Mike Iupati OG 18 Steelers Maurkice Pouncey C 19 Falcons Sean Weatherspoon LB Some of these alternate guys would have filled holes that we had last year, but this year we have roughly equivalent players in those positions and the jury is still out on Spiller in my opinion.
Beerball Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 We've seen more from him in the past couple weeks and he does look like he's progressing...still a ways to go though (and still nowhere near his draft position). It's difficult to know where he is because Jackson is rightfully getting the bulk of the snaps. Biggest complaint from Sunday...he had a decent run around the right side of the line and he skirted out of bounds rather than lowering his shoulder (like he'd done earlier in the game).
ganesh Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 i hope freddy is mentoring him. it would be nice if spiller would play with as much heart as jackson. How do you know that he doesn't In his limited opportunities, Spiller has excelled. If this offense can continue to click, I see Spiller playing a big role come December/January, when the weather changes around. The only need guy from that list would have been Anthony Davis. Earl Thomas has been pretty good for the West Coast birds, but picking another Safety at 9 would have sent the fan base spiraling down. Pouncey would have been nice, but we already had Levitre and Wood. We needed a LT or DE and there really was no blue chip player @ that point. 9 Bills C.J. Spiller RB 10 Jaguars Tyson Alualu DE 11 49ers Anthony Davis OT 12 Chargers Ryan Mathews RB 13 Eagles Brandon Graham DE 14 Seahawks Earl Thomas SS 15 Giants Jason Pierre-Paul DE 16 Titans Derrick Morgan DE 17 49ers Mike Iupati OG 18 Steelers Maurkice Pouncey C 19 Falcons Sean Weatherspoon LB Some of these alternate guys would have filled holes that we had last year, but this year we have roughly equivalent players in those positions and the jury is still out on Spiller in my opinion.
8-8 Forever? Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 yes I did, and lets hope Freddy is influencing him! The one time, I actually thought it was Jackson base on the effort and style. If CJ starts emulating FJ, it will be a good thing for all involved. with all the WRs out, you'd better hope he emulates Wes Welker from the slot for the next 4 or 5 weeks .
BuffaloBillsMagic1 Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 Yeah.....those 16 yards from scrimmage sure do legitimize using a #9 selection in an NFL draft on him! Seriously, CJ gets a ton of room because he was drafted so high. I understand this. Whitner had supporters til the end as well. Who really wants to face the ugly fact that the team we love so much wasted premium draft picks? Like you, I hope that CJ can contribute to this football team. As a matter of fact he threw a nice block on a touchdown pass on Sunday. That said, the chances of him even approaching what one would want from a #9 running back are remote at best. Do you think Nix is glad that he made this selection as we speak? We never, ever will know, but I will always suspect that this pick was mandateded by Mr. Wilson. Maenwhile that Best guy in Detroit is running wild attimes. Think he was drafted about 20 pix later than CJ and also was thought to be only a 3rd down scat back type....
aussiebills Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 Pouncey or Pierre - Paul the only ones i would take other than him
bizell Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 Maenwhile that Best guy in Detroit is running wild attimes. Think he was drafted about 20 pix later than CJ and also was thought to be only a 3rd down scat back type.... prior to last night's game, best's career hasn't really been anything special...
billsfan1959 Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 Maenwhile that Best guy in Detroit is running wild attimes. Think he was drafted about 20 pix later than CJ and also was thought to be only a 3rd down scat back type.... Best just had his first 100 yd game of his career last night - as the featured back in their offense. Whether or not you agree with where Spiller was selected, it is what it is. Done. Over. Can't change it. He is here now and it is clear he has some major talent. Gailey is a good offensive mind and if anyone can find a way to get Spiller to manifest that talent into something productive on the field, it is Gailey. I'm willing to wait and see. In the meantime, it is not such a bad thing he continues to learn behind someone like Jackson.
Dr. K Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 Yeah.....those 16 yards from scrimmage sure do legitimize using a #9 selection in an NFL draft on him! Seriously, CJ gets a ton of room because he was drafted so high. I understand this. Whitner had supporters til the end as well. Who really wants to face the ugly fact that the team we love so much wasted premium draft picks? Like you, I hope that CJ can contribute to this football team. As a matter of fact he threw a nice block on a touchdown pass on Sunday. That said, the chances of him even approaching what one would want from a #9 running back are remote at best. Do you think Nix is glad that he made this selection as we speak? We never, ever will know, but I will always suspect that this pick was mandateded by Mr. Wilson. I love you to death, Bill, but you've been banging this "Wilson forced Nix to draft Spiller" drum tiresomely for a couple of years. I've never thought this was a credible theory, but even if it is, is it possible there is anyone here who doesn't know your opinion on this? You have certain players (D. Bell is another) that I am convinced you will never feel good about no mater how well they play. You will never forgive Bell for not being Jason Peters, as if Bell himself sent Peters to the Eagles (where he has performed so stellarly). For whatever it's worth, I think Spiller has so far not given the team what you want from such a high draft pick, but I also think he may yet turn out to be a huge asset to the team. Focus on something else.
nrod424 Posted October 11, 2011 Posted October 11, 2011 I agree Spiller has looked much better lately. On the few runs he made the last couple of games, he looked exactly like a clone of Fred Jackson out there. I had to look at the number on the jersey twice to check that it actually wasn't Jackson. I think "the light has gone on" for Spiller, its just that he is stuck behind a guy who is right now playing as one of the top 5 backs in the league. Maybe Gailey/Nix weren't completely sold on Jackson and now they have two clones in place. Spiller (on one play where he broke up the sideline) is noticably faster than Jackson, but Jackson seems to have more strength and tackle breaking ability. In terms of the draft pick being wasted, I really don't see any OMYGOD-weMISSEDoutON guys being drafted right behind Spiller. 9 Bills C.J. Spiller RB 10 Jaguars Tyson Alualu DE 11 49ers Anthony Davis OT 12 Chargers Ryan Mathews RB 13 Eagles Brandon Graham DE 14 Seahawks Earl Thomas SS 15 Giants Jason Pierre-Paul DE 16 Titans Derrick Morgan DE 17 49ers Mike Iupati OG 18 Steelers Maurkice Pouncey C 19 Falcons Sean Weatherspoon LB Some of these alternate guys would have filled holes that we had last year, but this year we have roughly equivalent players in those positions and the jury is still out on Spiller in my opinion. This guy.
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