BUFFALO NAMES ROOKIE C.J. SPILLER STARTING RUNNING BACK

C.J. Spiller was a game changing running back during his college career at Clemson, and he’s looking like he may have the same impact in the NFL.  He quickly made a statement in the preseason—getting significant playing time due to injuries to veterans Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson, Spiller scored three touchdowns in three games.  Overall, he had 26 carries for 122 yards and provided Buffalo with a big play rushing threat that they haven’t had since the Thurman Thomas era.  Still, it was something of a surprise when Bills’ coach Chan Gailey named Spiller the starting running back for the team’s opening game against Miami on Sunday night.  

Spiller may have been helped by Lynch and Jackson’s limited playing time in preseason.  Neither man is back to 100%, so that doesn’t hurt either.  Still, in announcing his decision Gailey made it perfectly clear that the rookie had earned the job:

"I think he showed in college that he was a dynamic player. And I think that he's shown in his few reps here that he is a very good player. He's done a good job and he's earned the spot."

Spiller realizes that it’ll take an effort from the entire team:

"It's going to take a team effort to get to where we want to go, and I'm just glad to be a part of that. I mean, it's not going to be a one-man show."

He’s also aware that he’s now a target for opposing defenses, but hopes that’ll provide opportunities for teammates to succeed:

"Now everybody kind of knows what I'm capable of doing, so of course, the bull's-eye's probably going to get bigger, and I've got to be prepared.”

"That's a good thing to have because I can open doors for everybody else. If a team's just going to focus on one guy, I wish them well."

Starting quarterback Trent Edwards thinks that Spiller’s presence will help the passing game:

"He takes a lot of pressure off our passing game. I think if you have that run threat, you're going to keep defenses off balance. You're not going to be so predictable, the pass-rush isn't going to come as hard. And that just helps having that element in your offense."

Lynch and Jackson are back with the team, though still not completely recovered from their injuries.  For the time being, at least, Spiller will have ample opportunity to validate Gailey’s decision to make him the starter.   Buffalo is a +3 NFL football betting underdog in their home opener against the Miami Dolphins, with the total set at 38’.