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Gailey Confirms Spiller Is Bills' Starting Running Back

A few eyebrows in Western New York were raised Monday night when Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller debuted atop the Bills' depth chart in their Week 1 press release. Chan Gailey confirmed Wednesday that Spiller will, indeed, start at tailback this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

Part of the rationale, says Gailey, is that Spiller has seen the most reps and is therefore most game-ready. Fred Jackson logged just two preseason carries before succumbing to a hand injury that will, at the very least, hamper him this weekend. Marshawn Lynch didn't log a carry until the preseason finale against Detroit.

Gailey also says that Spiller earned the opportunity to start, and that's hard to argue. Spiller averaged 4.7 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns in just three preseason appearances, and is clearly the most explosive offensive threat the team employs.

Jackson and Lynch are still locks to get significant playing time, but it seems clear that Spiller is now officially the focal point of Gailey's offensive system.

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How is Lynch a lock for significant playing time?

If anything, Spiller’s play has reduced his already reduced role…

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Sep 8, 2010 12:53 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

Worded poorly. What I meant was that Jackson and Lynch, in combination, would comprise a significant chunk of playing time alongside Spiller.

by Brian Galliford on Sep 8, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't see a role for Lynch

I’m not hating on him, I just think Jackson has better overall game than Marshawn and CJ gets the lion’s share. I can’t really think of a situation where Marshawn would be better fit than Jackson, given Fred is healthy. I guess maybe short yardage or in the unlikely event the Bills go way up where they can rest the other 2 backs and burn some clock? Other than that I’ll be shocked if he gets over 3 carries.

Why do they put the Gideon Bibles only in the bedrooms, where it's usually too late, and not in the barroom downstairs? ~Christopher Morley, Contribution to a Contribution

by garcia76 on Sep 8, 2010 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don’t see a role for Lynch

I’m not hating on him, I just think Jackson has better overall game than Marshawn and CJ gets the lion’s share. I can’t really think of a situation where Marshawn would be better fit than Jackson, given Fred is healthy. I guess maybe short yardage or in the unlikely event the Bills go way up where they can rest the other 2 backs and burn some clock? Other than that I’ll be shocked if he gets over 3 carries.

See I disagree with this. I think that having 3 quality backs works to our advantage. I think Gailey is gonna ride whatever back is having the best gamer. SO yea I can see games where Lynch as 3 carries. However I can also see games where he has 20+ touches.

The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun

by mob16151 on Sep 8, 2010 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think that having 3 quality backs works to our advantage

I agree 3 quality backs would be nice but I don’t think he is as high quality as Spiller and Jackson. Has he ever averaged much over 4.0 yards/carry? Is he a threat to run after catch? Jackson and Spiller are much more of a threat than Marshawn, so I don’t need to give him the ball with the game on the line.

Why do they put the Gideon Bibles only in the bedrooms, where it's usually too late, and not in the barroom downstairs? ~Christopher Morley, Contribution to a Contribution

by garcia76 on Sep 9, 2010 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions  

Not Surprised

You run with whomever gives you the best option to win.. Go Spiller… GO BILLS

Home of "Spiller the Thriller"

by buffalobacker on Sep 8, 2010 1:01 PM EDT reply actions   1 recs

Rec.

to the point.

CJ, don't SPILLith thy Kool Aid.

by kgun201 on Sep 8, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not if you’re into Saints/Vikings…

by Brian Galliford on Sep 8, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

ah

I forgot other people play football besides the Bills.

by Mindbender14 on Sep 8, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

In recent years, it’s been fairly easy to forget the Bills play football. Let’s hope the yuck has been fitted for a reversal.

"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood

Song recommendation of the week: Cracker - "Euro-Trash Girl"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 8, 2010 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

a good feeling

it feels like 1980 with Joe Cribbs, albeit a much worse o-line

by wab2 on Sep 8, 2010 1:09 PM EDT reply actions  

I think even if Jackson is used mostly as a third down back, I think he will still perform well – I still don’t see Lynch is going to effectively be used…

I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City

by Ghetts on Sep 8, 2010 1:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Marshawn Lynch didn’t log a carry until the preseason finale against Detroit

Didn’t he have a couple of carries in Washington before he sprained his ankle?

Trample the weak, hurdle the dead!

by fansince83 on Sep 8, 2010 1:37 PM EDT reply actions  

They were awesome receptions, too.

"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood

Song recommendation of the week: Cracker - "Euro-Trash Girl"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 8, 2010 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ah

Silly me, I thought by touches you meant he had the ball in his hands running down field :-P

Trample the weak, hurdle the dead!

by fansince83 on Sep 8, 2010 1:41 PM EDT reply actions  

Spiller...

It should be fun to watch. Get the FB running in front of him and see ya…. I predict he runs for over 100 yards and score twice. Bills win!!

2010 - "Chan"ge is finally here......

by coolness1 on Sep 8, 2010 1:59 PM EDT reply actions  

Let's go back a few years....

Travis Henry and Willis McGahee

Travis is a Pro Bowl running back who has to give way for a first round draft pick rookie.
Fred Jackson led the league in AP yards, Lynch went to a Pro Bowl…. Spiller is the starter now

However both Henry and McGahee had egos and I think our current set of running backs are pretty mellow guys, however it could get dicey. I hope Chan handles it well.

by JMP on Sep 8, 2010 2:05 PM EDT reply actions  

it seems clear that Spiller is now officially the focal point of Gailey’s offensive system.

As it should be. Cant wait til sunday!!!

Where else would you rather be?

by bflo on Sep 8, 2010 2:08 PM EDT reply actions  

So is he our kick returner or what?!?

Either him or McKelvin is needed back there. I really hope Donald Jones isn’t our KR to open the year. Yuck. We need any potential big play we can get from this unit, and I don’t think Jones would be the best option for it….

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Sep 8, 2010 2:11 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

KR

I hope Spiller is our KR because I’ve heard he was good at it in College. Kinda his forte…..

Home of "Spiller the Thriller"

by buffalobacker on Sep 8, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

eh

he was alright. /sarcasm

by Mindbender14 on Sep 8, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

I like it!

No more free rides on this team. If you suck, you sit. I like it, and I like Roscoe Parish finally being utilized. Look for him to make a few big plays Sunday. I’m still weary of the defense but am hoping the vanilla stuff in pre-season was misdirection. I think Gailey has gotten into Trent’s head and fixed it. I am a gluten for punishment; I actually am optimistic again this year.

by Pietro Sirianni on Sep 8, 2010 2:14 PM EDT reply actions  

I am a gluten for punishment

Wheat are you talking about?

by Dr. Brackish Okun on Sep 8, 2010 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions   3 recs

well played....rec'd

If all the stars align, pigs learn to fly, humanity achieves world peace, doctors discover a cure for cancer, scientists perfect cold fusion, and hell freezes over, the Bills might win the SB this year.

by Joe P. on Sep 8, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

i hate gluten!

it makes me sick! very very sick!

'Cuse has seven starters.....shame only five can play at a time!

by BenAllen on Sep 8, 2010 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

sorry Dr. Okun

Sorry the proper spelling is “glutton” however….a part of reading comprehension is filling in voids and extracting meaning through content. Jeez, you figure the almighty DR. would know that.

but it was a clever punt.

by Pietro Sirianni on Sep 10, 2010 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

Don´t know what to think

What shall we expect from the Bills this season? Why is EVERYONE saying that we are gonna be picking 1st overall? Do we really have a wors team than last year?

by rick p on Sep 8, 2010 2:16 PM EDT reply actions  

Much harder schedule and same talent, I think is what the “experts” think. But no, we have a better team…they’re just going to take some time to get it together.

by stetzwebs on Sep 8, 2010 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Of course Spiller is the focal point of this offense, it’s not look we have playmakers all across the board. This team desperately needs guys who can make things happen on offense; Spiller, Fred Jackson, Roscoe Parrish and Lee Evans seem to be the only guys consistently capable of that, so let’s hope and expect them to get the bulk of the carries/receptions.
Marshawn to me has been a disappointment so far. I know he hasn’t received a lot of playing time, but it’s not like his performance on the field merits more carries. He lacks that second gear and though his powerful running style surely will be preferable late in games, I don’t anticipate him playing too big of a role.
As far as Fred goes, I expect him to do what he always does – make plays, work his butt of for the team and get the job done; just a terrific story, terrific person and a terrific football player.

"The one commonality in both places (Oakland and Buffalo) is an aging owner who keeps interfering too much. Ralph Wilson continually butts his nose in the football operation and tells the team who to draft"

by BillsfanfromDenmark on Sep 8, 2010 2:17 PM EDT reply actions  

I really don’t think that Roscoe has shown he is “consistantly capable of doing that.”
Every year we hear, “This is gonna be Roscoe’s breakout year!” And then nothing happens.

I sure hope you are correct though.

"Adversity is an opportunity for heroism." Marv Levy.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Sep 8, 2010 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Disaster?

Everything I read predicts a disaster this year. I think the Bills will surprise people this year. Maybe not make the playoffs but I betcha they beat some teams they’re not supposed to. If you look at last year they shoudda been 8-8. This team is better and the coaching is a helluva lot better. I think they beat the fish on Sunday…….

by tshoot4u2 on Sep 8, 2010 2:19 PM EDT reply actions  

Blue Collar Town

It would be a catastrophic to have a let down year in Buffalo. Thankfully, it would be near impossible to be a total let down year. They would have to dig pretty hard to get lower!

With the local hockey team as proof, we know that a competitive team, week in and week out, is all that’s needed to be a success here. We know that we don’t live in New York where acquiring mega stars is akin to changing underwear. We live in a small market that loves a team that works it’s ass off to show everybody up.

The fact that we are rated so much lower in talent by the so called experts will only make each victory be all that much sweeter!

I'm not sure if I hate Miami as much as humanly possible, but I'd rather die than take a drop of blood coming from a 'phin.

by Storeybox on Sep 8, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

As per the Dolphins...

I’ve always felt that even if the Bills go 2-14 as long as both of the wins are against Miami I can live with it….

Just a product of rooting for the Bills through the 70’s. Although a couple against New England and a 4-12 season would be a glorious achievement in my mind.

I'm not sure if I hate Miami as much as humanly possible, but I'd rather die than take a drop of blood coming from a 'phin.

by Storeybox on Sep 8, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

If the Bills go 2-14...

…One win had better be against Miami and one against NE. Then I’ll be happy.

by stetzwebs on Sep 8, 2010 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Im sorry but if we lose to the Browns (AGAIN) and the Lions...and the Jags....

Im gonna be pretty P’O’ed

"I understand that's the way it is, You're just going to have to take that with a grain of salt and realize there's going to be people out there that aren't going to like the way you play and where you're from." - Trent Edwards

by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 8, 2010 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

I hope that the Bills don’t go 8 and 8 if Trent has a terrible year. Then we’ll never get a good QB in the draft. I think he’ll be OK though because I am a big fan of the Bills.

by Bill Frank on Sep 8, 2010 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hello flex starter!

Should be fun to cheer him on this weekend.

"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood

Song recommendation of the week: Cracker - "Euro-Trash Girl"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 8, 2010 2:49 PM EDT reply actions  

Give him the ball A L O T

good call Chan……..although I think each guy should get 10-15 touches………

spread the wealth.

"I understand that's the way it is, You're just going to have to take that with a grain of salt and realize there's going to be people out there that aren't going to like the way you play and where you're from." - Trent Edwards

by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 8, 2010 4:04 PM EDT reply actions  

If I’m Freddy, I’m starting to get worried. I’d make sure I get on the field as much as possible before I start losing too many carries.

Either way, for us fans, it’s one of those good kind of problems.

by Dr. Brackish Okun on Sep 8, 2010 4:24 PM EDT reply actions  

Yep

Good situation for coach to be in as well. Should “motivate” both FJ and ML, not that FJ needs motivating. :)

Home of "Spiller the Thriller"

by buffalobacker on Sep 8, 2010 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

What's the over/under for TDs his first game?

2?

i’m thinking 2

Listen! You smell something?

by J2 on Sep 8, 2010 4:55 PM EDT reply actions  

What’s the over/under for TDs his first game? 2? i’m thinking 2

You mean 2 million right?

The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun

by mob16151 on Sep 8, 2010 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

No, that’s only the number of points he’s going to score. So 333,333 touchdowns. Plus a 2-point conversion. :-)

Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.

by WhyBillsWhy on Sep 8, 2010 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Fred's hand

I’d like to see Lynch be the no. 2 RB this week. Let Jackson’s bone strengthen. I can’t help but think of Shawn Alexander: all-world to out of the league in two years which all started with a broken bone in the hand (wrist?) that he tried to play thru.

by JapanJohn on Sep 8, 2010 10:53 PM EDT reply actions  

LET’S GO BUFFALO BABY!! THE BEST FANS IN THE BUSINESS DESERVE RESULTS!

"The one commonality in both places (Oakland and Buffalo) is an aging owner who keeps interfering too much. Ralph Wilson continually butts his nose in the football operation and tells the team who to draft"

by BillsfanfromDenmark on Sep 9, 2010 1:18 PM EDT reply actions  

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