Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson (22) looks to avoid being tackled during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Carolina 27 to 26. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills veteran running back Fred Jackson has been a key player for this team for quite some time now, and the tough-as-nails RB is enjoying an excellent 2013 season thus far. Jackson is one of the game’s best all-around backs, as he is a great rusher, excellent pass-catcher out of the backfield, and he rarely makes a mistake in pass protection. The problem is that C.J. Spiller is an even more dynamic back in front of him, and his rushing ability rightfully gain plaudits. The issue for Spiller, though, is the fact that nobody knows if he can hold up as the feature back for a full season, and he is having difficulties with that through three weeks. Jackson has missed ten games in the past two seasons with injuries, but Spiller’s concerns stem from his smaller frame.
Spiller was expected to get a ton of carries this season and basically make Jackson’s role in the offense obsolete, but it hasn’t happened that way. Not only did Fred Jackson, a notorious Patriots-killer, outplay Spiller in Week 1, but he also outplayed him last week. The New York Jets tough run defense bounced Spiller out of the game with an injury, and he was only able to muster nine yards on ten carries before leaving the game. Jackson was excellent in his stead with 72 yards on seven carries and four receptions for 37 yards.
With the way he’s played, Jackson has earned the right to continue to play a significant role in the Buffalo Bills offense, and he is averaging an excellent 5.3 yards per carry. He has also caught 13 passes this season, and his play this year has certainly been recognized by Bills head coach Doug Marrone.
From the Bills official site, “I think Fred has always been a very productive player and we’re getting a lot of production out of him right now. It’s just a matter of picking up the production around him. He’s doing a good job whether it be in protection, catching the ball underneath, running the football, so he’s doing a lot to help us on the offensive side.”
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