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Ranking the Buffalo Bills deep group of running backs

By Avery Duncan

BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 07: Running back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at New Era Field on October 7, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 07: Running back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at New Era Field on October 7, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 23: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills reacts during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 23: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills reacts during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

1. LeSean McCoy

LeSean McCoy is the obvious No. 1 on this list. Since being traded to the Bills in 2015, he’s earned three Pro-Bowl nods and has tallied 5,148 scrimmage yards and 30 touchdowns on 1,060 touches. He’s been the star that the Bills expected to acquire from the Eagles. But, he’s no sure thing to make the roster.

In 2018, McCoy’s play strikingly regressed. He missed two games and tallied just 752 scrimmage yards on an average of 3.9 yards per touch — both the lowest numbers of his career. Though a large part of that regression in statistics is due to the team’s deep injured reserve list and poor offensive line play, McCoy didn’t look like himself last season.

Running backs have a shelf life, and when they get as many touches as McCoy does (2,821 in his career), the age of it decreases. McCoy in 2018 was a prime example of that. Both his speed and quickness didn’t appear to be what they used to be. For a runner that relies on instincts and lateral mobility, that’s not a good sign.

Brandon Beane and Co.’s extensive movement at the position shows that the end of the McCoy-era may be in sight. His contract runs out after next season, but, per Over The Cap, they can cut ties right now and save $6.2 million. Yet, the team hasn’t done so, despite the rumors, and it’s hard to blame them.

McCoy showed flashes of his former from time-to-time last season, but they were limited in number. He had just one 100+ yard rushing game. However, there is hope to see more of that next year. The offensive line is better, the skill position group is upgraded, and Josh Allen’s running ability will spread defenses out.

Next. A farewell at the end of a fun ride. dark

But, the Bills shouldn’t rely on their prayers and wishes to see McCoy return to prime form. Luckily, they aren’t. In an ideal, cut-free, world, Gore, Yeldon, and Singletary will help share the workload in Buffalo alongside McCoy. There isn’t a real No. 1 back there, but there is a lot of potential for one.

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