Buffalo Bills' Fred Jackson Makes All-PFF Team, Week 1

by Brian Galliford on Sep 15, 2011 1:00 PM EDT in Buffalo Bills News

Earlier this week, we handed out our Buffalo Bills Week 1 game ball to running back Fred Jackson, who provided the necessary balance the offense needed to rip the Kansas City Chiefs for 41 points. In the contest, Jackson dipped, glided and darted his way to 112 rushing yards on just 20 carries.

To underscore just how good Jackson was in this contest, we'll point out that Jackson made ProFootballFocus.com's All-PFF Team for Week 1, where they also point out that Jackson got the nod over Chicago's Matt Forte (158 total yards and a TD against Atlanta) because of the fact that he forced a whopping eight missed tackles at Kansas City.

This is an aspect of Jackson's game that often goes overlooked - he's not just adept at breaking tackles after contact (which he demonstrated by carrying Brandon Flowers two yards on his back for a first down), but also by setting up defenders with ridiculous cuts to create running lanes that weren't there to begin with.

We'll leave you all to try to answer PFF's final question on whether or not Jackson is the most underrated back in the league.

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I think he’s one of the most underrated backs in the league. I think that it stems from his numbers, which are not overwhelming. However, his YPC is good, and he makes plays out of nothing. I think anyone that watches him sees how underrated he is…the problem is the Bills have been irrelevant for so long that no one watches.

"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.

by stetzwebs on Sep 15, 2011 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

Yea Jackson's underrated

because he plays for the Bills.

by LaFemmeNiBuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Dumb Question. Brian, did you write this?

This is an aspect of Jackson’s game that often goes overlooked – he’s not just adept at breaking tackles after contact (which he demonstrated by carrying Brandon Flowers two yards on his back for a first down), but also by setting up defenders with ridiculous cuts to create running lanes that weren’t there to begin with.

This is about as exact as Freddy can be described and the reason why running backs are not a dime a dozen. I believe Marv Levy found Fred Jackson for us. You know the GM that get’s ridiculed often for his favor he did for Ralph.

This is who Fred Jackson is, very well described.

YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde

by VanScottM on Sep 15, 2011 1:14 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Yes, I wrote that – thank you.

Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Sep 15, 2011 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions

because of the fact that he forced a whopping eight missed tackles at Kansas City.

And therein lies the difference between Jackson’s production and Spiller’s. Comments have been made here that the line blocks differently (or doesn’t block) when Spiller’s in.

I maintain that Jackson’s elusiveness, strength and ability to break tackles are what get him better results. Conversely, Spiller would be much better if they were both on “Dancing with the Stars”.

Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12

by fansince60 on Sep 15, 2011 1:17 PM EDT reply actions

So what gives with his production in the redzone. My fantasy team from last year would like to know :-)

I have low expectations. But high hopes.

by greysquirrel on Sep 15, 2011 1:24 PM EDT reply actions

BTW, if he’s underrated — this is why, bizarrely few TDs.

I have low expectations. But high hopes.

by greysquirrel on Sep 15, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Great point.

Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"

by bflo on Sep 15, 2011 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions

BTW, if he’s underrated — this is why, bizarrely few TDs.

because you actually have to give him the ball in the redzone, intead of going with this empty backfield stuff. The poz tackle in pre season is an abberation, freddie barely gets touches in the redzone.

Girls use hair spray, Men don't.

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!

Don't be a Paully!

by The Buffalo Kid on Sep 15, 2011 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

And if you give freddie touches in the redzone

run him off tackle to the sidelines, or better yet, run the pump fake bubble screen to the other side then come back to fred with a fb and pulling guard out in front, he will score ala woodhead most of the time if you throw the bubble screen if the cb plays off to keep them honest. the patsies love that play, never seen us run it.

Girls use hair spray, Men don't.

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!

Don't be a Paully!

by The Buffalo Kid on Sep 15, 2011 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions

He got touches this past week, but the empty backfield was what got TDs,. I don’t have any playcalling complaints after that sort of redzone efficiency. Freddys not on my fantasy team.

Of course, rather than playcalling it might be our run blocking, which gets tougher near the goalline. Until we have more confidence in run-blocking, We may not see a lot of attempts inside the 3.

I have low expectations. But high hopes.

by greysquirrel on Sep 15, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Understatement

Regarding run/pass blocking and FO need to adjust to lack of ability to do said O/L needs! You’ll continue to see Chan adjust/scheme for our obvious O/L defeciencies. Go Bill’s Go Chan!

Chan, a coach trying to win, as opposed to trying not to lose!. Nice!

by buffalobacker on Sep 16, 2011 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Doesnt have lynchs nose for the endzone. Only thing freddy is missing really.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Sep 15, 2011 1:35 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Lynch's? really?

Lynch didn’t have a nose for the end zone. He just had opportunity. Jackson needs that opportunity, which he didn’t exactly get much of in KC.

If the Bills are inside the 3, I have full confidence in Freddie’s ability to punch it in, assuming the OL doesn’t allow a jailbreak into the backfield.

~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 15, 2011 2:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

Lynch has a noze for the endzone not gonna convince me otherwise. Guy always had a third gear for when he got inside the 20. Jackson a great back does not have that. Its nothing bad most rb do not have it. Freddy is better back than lynch though.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Sep 15, 2011 2:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I would argue that Jackson was pulled in the red zone and Lynch was put in. No opportunities there. I know i cant convince you, but i thought Fred consistently outshined Lynch.

by PayUrBills on Sep 15, 2011 5:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I also think Lynch had more of a nose for the endzone, but not because of 3 yard dives. He seemed more likely to run it in from 10-15 yards out. Not sure that was about goalline opportunities. Jackson was always more effective between the 20’s than Lynch.

I have low expectations. But high hopes.

by greysquirrel on Sep 15, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll Wager

Neither Lynch or Jackson lead any redzone threat behind our O/L. Blocking is really under appreciated on this site! Understandable considering our recent history.

Chan, a coach trying to win, as opposed to trying not to lose!. Nice!

by buffalobacker on Sep 16, 2011 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions

We’ll leave you all to try to answer PFF’s final question on whether or not Jackson is the most underrated back in the league.

To answer the question short and sweet, yep.

Hes just a good football player that loves the game. I love watching him run, like his 24 yard run, he squeezed thru no hole and burst off with Stevie blocking downfield.

Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"

by bflo on Sep 15, 2011 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I’d like to add that Fred Jackson is a monster in pass protection. That has to be a little factor in considering him the most underrated RB in the league.

Try to be informed, not just opinionated.

by Undee on Sep 15, 2011 1:26 PM EDT reply actions

He was terrible in pass protection a few seasons ago, it is the most improved area of his game.

Girls use hair spray, Men don't.

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!

Don't be a Paully!

by The Buffalo Kid on Sep 15, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes very underrated by most media I am going to guess not by coaches though.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Sep 15, 2011 1:34 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

underrated by media

By coaches most likely not BB has the hots for duece duece

. Nobody and I mean Nobody circles the Wagon Blasters like our Buffalo Bills. The Wagon is coming to collect your soul.-abayarde

by Gpluehri on Sep 15, 2011 1:53 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

My favorite Fred Jackson moment is, and may forever be from 2008-09 when he was lead blocking for Marshawn and pancaked a linebacker who was clean and heading full speed into the backfield. Jackson absolutely dropped that guy. Never seen anything like it from a 215 lb player.

THAT is why i'm serious.

by Trashplate on Sep 15, 2011 2:18 PM EDT reply actions

Glad he's getting recognition

Its been apparent for years how well Freddie makes defenders miss. He’s just so dang slippery and tough to bring down. Spiller could learn a thing or two watching Jackson avoid defenders.

~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 15, 2011 2:38 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Freddie is one strong running back

He runs like silk and is so smooth in his cuts. And his nose for the open running lane (even when ther looks like there is none) is uncanny!

PS. this is my first post. Hello, all you Bills backers!

'The folks that predicted a 41-7 shellacking, sending the Bills into their home opener 1-0? They're likely few and far between.' Brian Galliford

by mrdorn73 on Sep 15, 2011 2:42 PM EDT reply actions

Welcome to our happy home.

"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Sep 15, 2011 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Thank you Thor! I’ve actually been following ya’ll for about a year now.

"I’ve been big ever since I was little." William "The Refrigerator" Perry

by mrdorn73 on Sep 15, 2011 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Fred's run before halftime

One play that really stood out to me was his 3rd down run right before halftime- where he fought so hard to get that first down. Besides the fact that it was an incredible run, it showed me something else…
It showed a clear departure from the way the Bills have played (and disappointed) over the last decade. How many times in the past 10 years would the Bills NOT convert that 3rd down, and then have to punt, and as a result give up a field goal right before the half expires (and minimize any lead). I had come to expect things like that to happen after watching so many games…
Watching Fred fight for that first down on Sunday was a sign that Nix and Gailey are going to be effective changing the culture and losing ways of the Bills, if not already.

by bruce_smith78 on Sep 15, 2011 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

Absolutely

http://www.kellyschat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=735942&d=1316050842

That was one of the plays that just took the tomahawk chop away from KC last week..

by 3nOutNoMore on Sep 15, 2011 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I would like to see Freddie

be given a raise and chance to retire a Bill.

by dgrid on Sep 15, 2011 3:21 PM EDT reply actions

Unfortunately when was the last time you saw a runningback retire with the team they started with.

by bizarro bills on Sep 16, 2011 7:30 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Tiki Barber?

Year two is upon us.

by Buffalo for Eternity on Sep 16, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions

completely underated and underutilized

Heres my bold statement. Criticize me if u must. Fred Jackson is the best back right now in the NFL. Has been for a few years. Give him the ball!

by PayUrBills on Sep 15, 2011 4:02 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I must. Fred Jackson is not better than Adrian Peterson. That is ridiculous. I like your enthusiasm though.

by The Adam Bomb on Sep 15, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Dang!

I knew somebody would remember Peterson. Well at least i had the Kahunas to say it! I still like Fred better cause hes a Bill!

by PayUrBills on Sep 15, 2011 4:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Got dat right PayUrBills! I love Freddie Jackson too. His destiny is to make history this year!

"I’ve been big ever since I was little." William "The Refrigerator" Perry

by mrdorn73 on Sep 15, 2011 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t know that he’s underrated, I’d say more like off the radar. I’ve never heard anybody call him a bad running back. Nobody’s calling him a great running back either. Fitzpatrick is beginning to get some public respect as a quarterback, I think over the course of the next few weeks (provided the Bills keep the good football going) the same is going to happen with FJ. By season’s end he’ll be considered among the league’s best.

by The Adam Bomb on Sep 15, 2011 4:04 PM EDT reply actions

among the leagues best

For a while now i would arrgue. Jauron underated him when he started Lynch. Then Perry Fewell took over, started Ferd and he proceeded to 1000 yards.
Ok, I’ll stop my Fredfest now, but finally people (nationwide) are gettin the scoop on him. Go Fred!

by PayUrBills on Sep 15, 2011 5:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

You’re right to be high on the guy, he’s awesome! Soon everyone will know :)

by The Adam Bomb on Sep 15, 2011 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions

2 reasons so underrated

Number one: the coaching staff since he got here failed to see that he was the main reason they won some games. I’ve been screaming this since year one or two. Has always been the best back on the team. But his playing time wasn’t there so the big numbers never really came as far as season totals go.

Number two and this is the main reason as well as the dumbest he wasn’t a first round pick. The fact that the coaches said he and spiller were both starters was absolutely a slap in the face durng training cmp, and i dont blame him for being pissed. Jackson has outplayed first rou d picks throughout his career coming from NFL Europe, but the bs hype machine that is the draft has clouded everyones thinking. Jackson has been the best non drafted player for the bills at least ten years and probably the best Bill over the past five years.

Yes, Jackson is underrated. He won’t be after this year.

by Doctor Huge Pecs on Sep 15, 2011 9:32 PM EDT reply actions