CJ Spiller Will Speed Up the Leaderboard This Season

Dec. 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) runs past Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith (24) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

I still can remember the 2010 draft when the Bills 1st round pick was announced. With the 9th pick of the 2010 draft the Bills select running back CJ Spiller from Clemson. Wait a running back? The Bills already having two running backs on the roster had people wondering about the pick. It didn’t take long before everyone heard the reasoning. CJ was the best player on the board and we took him to be a part of this football team. I still hear people saying why did they do that? What were they thinking? If they only knew how he would progress thus far.

Spiller started his career in 2010 and you could definitely tell he was trying to find his way. Kick returner and punt returner were two more jobs he could add to his already running back position. When his first season came to an end there wasn’t much to be excited about. A kick return for a TD and a receiving score was about it in the stats department. People had already begun to wonder about this pick.

It wasn’t until his 2nd season where everyone really got to see what he was capable of. He played in every game that year and also took over the starting job when fellow teammate Fred Jackson went down with an injury. Spiller really had people talking as he gained 563 scrimmage yards in the 13th-17th week range that had him 5th in the AFC. He also had a 5.2 yard rushing average.

Last year Spiller didn’t let down or disappoint in any way. Playing in all games again he took his game to a new level in my eyes. Having the chance to start again and also just flat out producing when his number was called had opponents looking at him differently. With his good hands and breakaway speed he absolutely was trouble for opposing defenses. The year came to an end seeing Spiller gaining 1,244 yards on only 207 attempts, 6 TD’s and also a 6.0 yard rushing average. Take that with nearly 460 yards receiving, 2 TD’s and that turns into a very productive year. Let’s not forget he was drastically limited in carries I believe because former coach Chan Gailey thought it was better for each back when healthy to each have their turns. Not playing the hot player I think may have cost this team some games. Hopefully this year the new coaching staff and have full control and know how to run the backfield.

This year I think Spiller will ultimately get the starting job and show again what he’s capable of doing during the whole season. Some predictions I have stat wise for Spiller are: 350 attempts, 1,700 yards, 9 TD’s and 600 yards, 4 TD’s receiving. I know he has had some fumbling issues and hope he will work on this to clear it up. What do you think Spiller’s capable of? Anyone think he goes the opposite direction?