LeSean McCoy to Buffalo Bills: Rapid Reaction

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Yes, for those of you who have not heard, LeSean McCoy is going to be a Buffalo Bill in 2015. The price? Kiko Alonso is going to reunite with his former Oregon coach in Philadelphia, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. There are no strings attached to this blockbuster trade. It was made straight up, and I’ve got mixed opinions for this.

What I like: First off, I think this is a great get for Buffalo. Fred Jackson is going to have one, MAYBE two years left the way that he runs. The Bills were going to have to address the need at running back at some point, and Doug Whaley and Co. made a big splash with getting arguably the best running back in the league over the last five seasons. I also like the fact that this season, under Rex’s scheme, there is a speed/power combination that the Bills can present to opposing defenses with McCoy and Jackson. There is also now an undisputed number one running back in the backfield behind whoever the 2015 quarterback will be, which is also something that has lacked in Buffalo these past couple of seasons.

Dec 22, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Kiko Alonso (50) against the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Miami 19 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

What I don’t like: Is McCoy really a ground and pound running back? Rex said he wants to create a “bully” in Buffalo and I’m not sure that McCoy is really a bully type running back. He is a very good running back do not get me wrong, but he was more suited in Kelly’s offense of high-paced and based off of speed. Mostly, I do not like the loss of Alonso. He was a standout rookie, dominating defenses in the middle linebacker position (essentially a rookie QB on the defensive end, and we know how rookie QBs do in their first seasons). Alonso was a leader on a very good defense and he will be missed.

The Bills did very well without him last season and a ground game was lacking, which is why I overall love this trade. Buffalo needed to make a decision on what big contract to fill, and it looks like Spiller will be gone. I would look for Jerry Hughes to now be resigned and be the outside man, and a David Harris signing could be in the near future to replace Alonso in the middle.

Feel free to let me know your opinions below! What a hot trade in a cold, snowy Western New York.

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