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Buffalo Bills: Who will be LeSean McCoy’s main backup?

By Paul Taylor

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Which Buffalo Bills running back is in line to be number two behind LeSean McCoy?

Heading into the regular season, there are no major concerns surrounding the Buffalo Bills defense, with the possible exception of Ronald Darby. (The sooner Leodis McKelvin can return, the better.)

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However, the same is not quite true of the offense. While the quarterback depth chart is now set, no one is still quite sure what type of play to expect from the position.

As such, the running game will be vitally important to the Bills chances of having any success moving the ball. Fortunately for Rex Ryan, he has one of the best backs in the game, in the shape of LeSean McCoy.

Despite fears about his advancing age and durability, the guy is still only 27, and until further notice, should be extremely productive. Don’t forget he is only two seasons removed from leading the NFL in rushing.

No, the only question surrounding the Bills ground attack, is who McCoy’s main backup will be? This becomes even more pertinent, when you consider there are still no guarantees he will be fit for the home opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

(For his part, McCoy has vowed to be ready for week one. He was back in training on Tuesday, participating in individual drills.)

Jul 31, 2015; Pittsford, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Anthony Dixon (26) speaks with Karlos Williams (40) and Bryce Brown (35) during training camp at St. John Fisher College. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Until recently, Karlos Williams appeared to have the inside track on the number two spot. This was after impressing (and indeed surprising) everyone during training camp.

However, this was before the 22-year old suffered a freak accident, which forced him to undergo a surgical procedure. Fortunately for the Bills, he has made good progress and has said he will definitely be ready for week one.

Regardless, the question still remains of who will be the main backup to McCoy? At this stage, running backs coach, Anthony Lynn is not prepared to commit, at least not publicly.

Speaking to Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News, Lynn said: “It’s been a good competition between (Williams) and Bryce (Brown).

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“And in my opinion, it’s still going on. You just create a competition and whoever goes out and performs the best, they’ll get in the rotation.”

No one doubts Bryce Brown‘s ability to run the ball, while also improving his receiving skills. However, the main black mark against him is his fumbling issues, something which Lynn was recently critical about.

Interestingly though, is the fact other reports indicate Brown is currently fourth on the running back depth chart. In fact, some have gone as far as to indicate he will need to carve out a role on special teams.

In comparison to Brown, Lynn has nothing but praise for Williams’ progress since coming to camp: “He was like a sponge, he was growing leaps and bounds and that surprised me.

“He just shot up the depth chart. He had a good scrimmage, had a good game and he had some good practices so he definitely deserves a shot as the No. 2.”

The other contender is Anthony “Boobie” Dixon who, like his teammates, has had to deal with injuries during camp. However, he now appears ready to go, when Buffalo takes the field against the Colts.

Dixon has the advantage of having already shown what he is capable of. Last season he had a productive campaign for the Bills, rushing for over 400 yards at 4.1 yards per carry.

Overall though, assuming everyone is fit and healthy, my money is on Williams to secure the number two spot. Feel free to agree or disagree with me in the comments section below.

Next: Bringing Matt Cassel back was the right decision

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