FireChan Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 (edited) I think that where the disconnect comes in on Spiller is that people are still stuck on where he was drafted (like a more likable Whitner). The guy cannot help where he was drafted. While neither Whitner nor Spiller may ever turn out to be good top 10 picks that does not mean that they don't have a place in the NFL. Both are good NFL players if used correctly. Spiller is (and has always been) a specialist IMO. People want to run him out of town because they want pounding between the tackles type of back. Can't we have both? Move Dixon to a FB type of role, a big back to pound, Freddie to spell him, and CJ used as referenced above. Then you still have Bryce Brown to fill any role other than Dixon's. Spiller is Darren Sproles and not Adrian Peterson. As soon as we can accept that we can begin to appreciate the player. CJ needs to accept that first. He needs to accept that he's a player who does things like this http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000449924/Kyle-Orton-fumbles-Patriots-recover instead of a player who is a Jamaal Charles clone. If he's cheap, he's got a place. If he's moderately expensive, he doesn't. The second CJ loses a step, he will be one of the worst RB's in the NFL, and he is approaching that point. Edited February 25, 2015 by FireChan
Chuck Wagon Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 I think that where the disconnect comes in on Spiller is that people are still stuck on where he was drafted (like a more likable Whitner). The guy cannot help where he was drafted. While neither Whitner nor Spiller may ever turn out to be good top 10 picks that does not mean that they don't have a place in the NFL. Both are good NFL players if used correctly. Spiller is (and has always been) a specialist IMO. People want to run him out of town because they want pounding between the tackles type of back. Can't we have both? Move Dixon to a FB type of role, a big back to pound, Freddie to spell him, and CJ used as referenced above. Then you still have Bryce Brown to fill any role other than Dixon's. Spiller is Darren Sproles and not Adrian Peterson. As soon as we can accept that we can begin to appreciate the player. I think a big part of it is the emotional connection to Fred. Everyone recognizes we could really use a workhorse back. Dixon is a strong special teamer and represents our only real power option. Brown is young and cheap with untapped upside. That leaves one of Fred or Spiller that needs to go to allow for room to bring a different back in and CJ is the one that's easier to say goodbye. If we were looking at it objectively (and Spiller comes at a Sproles price) then the best move talentwise would be to retain Spiller and add a back in the 2nd-3rd round leaving our stable of backs as Rookie-Spiller-Dixon-Brown. But fan emotions don't allow for that objective POV.
Kirby Jackson Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 (edited) CJ needs to accept that first. He needs to accept that he's a player who does things like this http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000449924/Kyle-Orton-fumbles-Patriots-recover instead of a player who is a Jamaal Charles clone. If he's cheap, he's got a place. If he's moderately expensive, he doesn't. The second CJ loses a step, he will be one of the worst RB's in the NFL, and he is approaching that point. I think that is fair. If we could get him at that 3 years and $10.5M that Sproles is getting it would be a steal. That is CHEAP for a guy that could potentially make a huge impact. I don't think that he will ever consistently produce but his big plays will impact games. That is roughly 2% of your cap space. I think a big part of it is the emotional connection to Fred. Everyone recognizes we could really use a workhorse back. Dixon is a strong special teamer and represents our only real power option. Brown is young and cheap with untapped upside. That leaves one of Fred or Spiller that needs to go to allow for room to bring a different back in and CJ is the one that's easier to say goodbye. If we were looking at it objectively (and Spiller comes at a Sproles price) then the best move talentwise would be to retain Spiller and add a back in the 2nd-3rd round leaving our stable of backs as Rookie-Spiller-Dixon-Brown. But fan emotions don't allow for that objective POV. I don't disagree at all and Fred is my favorite Bill of this generation. I am suggesting using Dixon as a FB when needed and not keeping a FB on the roster. Last year (for a while anyways) it was: Jackson, Spiller, Dixon, Brown and Summers. There is room for 5 guys. Edited February 25, 2015 by Kirby Jackson
Chuck Wagon Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 I think that is fair. If we could get him at that 3 years and $10.5M that Sproles is getting it would be a steal. That is CHEAP for a guy that could potentially make a huge impact. I don't think that he will ever consistently produce but his big plays will impact games. That is roughly 2% of your cap space. I don't disagree at all and Fred is my favorite Bill of this generation. I am suggesting using Dixon as a FB when needed and not keeping a FB on the roster. Last year (for a while anyways) it was: Jackson, Spiller, Dixon, Brown and Summers. There is room for 5 guys. I completely agree on the fullback point. I'd rather split the fullback spot between Dixon and a guy like Clay in FA or Marquise Gray. I'm interested to see what Rex/Roman will do because I believe both are old school fullback traditionalists. I completely get what Fred means to the fans and the organization. But I also understand what Thurman, Andre and Bruce meant to the franchise and fans and they spent their final seasons in other uniforms.
San-O Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 CJ needs to accept that first. He needs to accept that he's a player who does things like this http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000449924/Kyle-Orton-fumbles-Patriots-recover instead of a player who is a Jamaal Charles clone. If he's cheap, he's got a place. If he's moderately expensive, he doesn't. The second CJ loses a step, he will be one of the worst RB's in the NFL, and he is approaching that point. Very good post IMO. This will be his 6th season I believe. If he is used perfectly, like Chan did, he's great. Otherwise, not so much. This past year, 1 TD, 3 fumbles, 19 receptions. He was injured missing 7 games. How much do you pay a guy like that?
Solomon Grundy Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 I'm starting to like Jeremy Langford from Michigan State
Buffaloed in Pa Posted February 26, 2015 Posted February 26, 2015 Time for a new start. Seeya C.J. and Fred. They were part of that losing culture. Fred is done . Anywhere but Buffalo do they think he is anything.
purple haze Posted February 26, 2015 Posted February 26, 2015 @mikerodak: C.J. Spiller praises Greg Roman and Chan Gailey: http://t.co/iSk3eXW9tD I think I'm the only one who wants him back. He has a chance to be used correctly in a new offense which is what everyone thinks he would excel in if he was with another team. I certainly wouldn't give him a big contract, but Whaley has essentially said that will not happen. I'd like to see him back to. I think he's worth it at the right price.
Bills Fan of St Augustine Posted February 26, 2015 Posted February 26, 2015 Neither. I pray to God they do not waste a premium pick on the easiest position to find anywhere. No running backs before at least round 5. Beef up the lines (take your pick OL or young DL), get a tight end that can stretch defenses, draft a QB you have good feelings about (though i don't think they exist this year) etc ANYTHING but a RB in the early rounds.
Buffaloed in Pa Posted February 26, 2015 Posted February 26, 2015 Call me a pessimist but I find it ridiculous to suggest Fred has a few years left in the tank. I know we all appreciate what he represents, but when backs his age start to lose it they don't get it back. When players mean as much to the franchise Fred does, people want to realize the decline until it's painfully obvious. He's entering his age 34 season and I'd be shocked to see him playing at 36. Counting on him for anything more than an emotional leader and occasional contributor is foolish. NAILED IT. Holding us back.
Recommended Posts