C.J. Spiller has huge game but still isn’t 100%
Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) runs as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) pursues during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffalo Bills decision to sit star running back C.J. Spiller out of last week’s game against the New Orleans Saints looked smart enough at the time, but it’s looking like an even better decision with one week to look back in hindsight. Spiller stated after last week’s game that head coach Doug Marrone made the right decision, and Spiller finally looked like his sprightly old self again in yesterday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had his agility and mojo back and was able to post an insane 155 yards on 14 total touches. The only other time in which Spiller had over 100 yards from scrimmage was back in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, and this week’s big game was made all the more sweeter by his return to health following several weeks of hobbled, ineffective, un-Spiller-like running.
According to the NFL Network’s Kevin Patra, C.J. Spiller “came up limping a couple times” in yesterday’s big game, and he even said following the loss that his ankle still isn’t 100%. That’s not surprising, though, because he had to leave the field a couple of times yesterday, because there were instances in which it was obvious that Spiller was limping and tweaked his ankle. This injury is a volatile one, but Spiller looked so amazing yesterday that he is still a lock to play in next week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
155 yards from scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs defense is no easy feat, and Spiller was a big reason why that game was close. He is one of the most talented running backs in the league, and what was a disappointing season overall will no longer be a disappointment now that Spiller is on his way to full health. He isn’t 100% yet, but it’s impressive to see him put up big numbers whilst being at less than full strength. When he does get there, the Bills backfield will be as scary as ever with Fred Jackson and him.
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