Buffalo Bills to use C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson in same formations?
By Bryan Rose
We’ve already heard that the role of Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller is likely to expand this season.
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Dealing with a significant high ankle sprain that put a damper on Spiller’s 2013 season, the talented running back wasn’t used properly by the Bills coaching staff. It was a self admission, but one the coaches couldn’t fix given Spiller’s inability to practice due to the injury.
Now completely healthy, Spiller figures to play a more prominent role in Buffalo’s offense, likely at the expense of fellow running back Fred Jackson.
Not so fast.
According to WGR 550, the Bills have been using Spiller and Jackson on the field at the same time, hoping to get use out of both players but placing them in the same formations.
"An idea that has been brought up time and time again by media and fans alike, the Bills showed off a few different looks that had both Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller on the field. Predictably, Jackson was the man in the backfield while Spiller was the more athletic type that was motioned to different parts of the formation."
While you don’t want to wear out both Spiller and Jackson given one will be the other’s handcuff, it does make sense given the talents of both players.
Alongside Sammy Watkins, Spiller and Jackson are Buffalo’s best playmakers and you don’t win a lot of games when you have to keep your playmakers on the bench.
Add in that having both players on the field at the same time will create confusion on the defensive side of the ball and you have yourself a solid gameplan.