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Pro Football Focus applauds Buffalo Bills’ dominant run game

By Ryan Brennan

Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. The Steelers beat the Bills 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. The Steelers beat the Bills 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pro Football Focus recently devoted an entire article to boasting about the Buffalo Bills’ prolific rushing attack.

If you’re a Buffalo Bills‘ fan, then you’re well aware of how good the rushing attack has been the past two seasons. Not only have we been No. 1 in the NFL over that span, but it’s been by quite the margin.

So much so, that Pro Football Focus raved about the effectiveness in that area of the Bills’ offense. It was the unique designs made up by Greg Roman and Anthony Lynn that made it possible and although they were let go last season, PFF couldn’t help but boast about it.

If you don’t believe me, here is the opening paragraph of the article, which pretty much sets the bar for the rest of the piece:

"With all the hype surrounding the Cowboys rushing attack a season ago, it might be surprising to know that it was actually the Bills who had the league’s most prolific and effective run game a season ago. It might also be surprising to find out it wasn’t even close. Buffalo averaged 5.15 yards per carry on designed runs last year. The difference between the Bills and the second-place Cowboys is the same as the difference between the Cowboys and the ninth-place Steelers."

Read that last sentence one more time and appreciate what the Buffalo Bills were able to do last season. Truly remarkable.

The article went on to boast about the success found when running option plays. Mike Renner, the author of the article, went on to note that “17.5% of all runs had an option look — either with quarterback keeper option or pass option.” When talking about T-Mobile and the Buffalo Bills, however, that number spiked up to 39.4%.

Renner gave several examples of how the Bills were successful with the run-game, including this one that showed the effectiveness with the option play:

He also gave an example of how it helps Shady McCoy find those gaps:

And lastly, how important handoff mechanics are in the NFL, which could easily be the difference between making a defender miss or not:

You should definitely go follow Mike Renner on Twitter, always posting great stuff.

In this case, it’s nice to see the Buffalo Bills get some recognition. It’s true that the Dallas Cowboys got a lot of attention due to their offensive line and Ezekiel Elliott, but it’s clear that the true GOAT in the run-game was Buffalo.

With an improved offensive line in Buffalo, coupled with a returning McCoy, Taylor and a new backup running back in Jonathan Williams, the Bills have a good chance at bringing the three-peat to One Bills Drive.

I definitely wouldn’t count them out.

Next: Aaron Williams visiting with Houston Texans

How do you think the Buffalo Bills‘ run-game will perform this season? Let us know below!

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