Oct 20, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) makes a catch prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
As the new look Bills got ready to begin their season I think everyone can remember our new offensive coordinator saying that CJ would be the focal point of our offense. I’ll admit when I heard that I couldn’t have been happier seeing how gifted this guy is. His elite capabilities made him a threat every time he touched the ball and all signs pointed to him playing like last year. Well so far this season it is not true and also I’m wondering were has his game gone? Looking in a different direction I wonder now how this team would be without him.
This past January I did a piece on Spiller about the possibility of ever trading him. Looking back at the responses no one really wanted to hear it but now I wonder how many would change their mind? The league is all about the quarterback and if you don’t have one who cares what other players you have.
Just take a look at Minnesota. Peterson one of the best in recent history to play at the running back position has impressed greatly but what has it done for his team? Sure they had little success but after that I don’t remember them being any real threat. Their quarterbacks are average or below at best and it shows in their games. Any team that takes him out of the game automatically increases their chances of winning as of its importance. It would be interesting to see what this team would look like if they indeed had a good QB.
Now looking at two teams that I believe are built for this new NFL movement. The Broncos and Patriots are two teams that are built for offense and are doing it with average running backs. LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman and Knowshon Moreno are in no way players that are thought of as being top notch or elite backs but yet backs that come in and contribute. That said everyone knows who these teams quarterbacks are. This is what I think the Bills may need I think.
Spiller and Fred each are getting their turns throughout this season so far but it doesn’t seem to be working. We are getting decent production out of them but when they don’t produce it seems like the rest of our offense doesn’t click. I know people will say that’s our offense but wouldn’t anyone just want a quarterback that could take complete control of the game. We may have him now but I don’t want this staff just settling for EJ. If they think another guy could be the future get him. The draft is set up now so a team wouldn’t be killed in the contract department, but it’s just them taking that chance.
So in the end I think I would have dealt Spiller if I had any takers. This team could use a big play making receiver, tight end, corner or even another good linebacker. I think other teams have shown that the playmaking back isn’t needed but rather nice to have. What do you think about Spiller? Can he turn it around or is something preventing it? Can look at this a bunch of different ways but one thing is for sure this team could fill some other positions to I believe really contend next year. Were definitely due.