Buffalo Bills: What to expect from LeSean McCoy

The entire football world was in shock when the news broke out that the Buffalo Bills had traded for All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy. The Bills were in need of an upgrade at the position, and they did just that by acquiring McCoy. There is no question that the Bills will be a run heavy team in 2015, so McCoy will definitely get plenty of opportunities to make plays.

Drafted in the second round, 53rd overall in the 2009 NFL draft, McCoy showed promise as a rookie, as he rushed for 637 yards while averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. The following two seasons, McCoy broke out as one of the best young backs in the league, as he put up back to back thousand yard seasons, rushing for a combined 24 touchdowns.

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After an injury plagued 2012 season, McCoy returned to his elite self, as he led the league in rushing by a landslide in 2013. This past year, McCoy had another fine season, as he rushed for 1319 yards, while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Despite a slight drop in production, McCoy is still one of the leagues top backs, and has lots of good football remaining in him.

What makes McCoy such a special player is his speed mixed with exceptional field vision. McCoy is a downhill runner, who can easily make defenders miss. He also has the ability to bounce off of defenders, as he has very quick hips. When McCoy gets outside, there is no stopping him, as he can outrun anyone on the field. Even when he is given the ball on the inside, he is quick to hit the hole, and has the vision avoid tackles and break a long run.

When it comes to the pass game, McCoy can be as equally effective. He has an excellent pair of hands, and whether he is lined up in the backfield, in the slot or out wide, McCoy can make plays all over the field. In 2010, McCoy had a career high in receiving yards with 592 and two touchdowns, and in 2013, he hauled in 52 catches for 539 yards with two scores. McCoy is a dual threat back who will be a key part to the success of the Bills offense.

The Buffalo Bills have been very busy this offseason, making an abundance of moves in hopes of returning to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. The addition of McCoy will certainly help them get to where they need to be. Mccoy joins a loaded backfield with veteran Fred Jackson, power runner Boobie Dixon, and former teammate Bryce Brown. The success of the Bills offense will primarily rely on the running game, so there will be lots of pressure on Buffalo’s running backs to produce throughout the duration of the season.

Training camp is quickly approaching, and only time will tell how good the new look Buffalo Bills team will be. It’s obvious the Bills don’t have an ideal situation at the quarterback position; however, with an elite running game, they may be just fine. LeSean McCoy will be playing behind a solid offensive line, and will be given the ball more times this year than he has had in any previous year. If he can stay healthy, there is no reason why McCoy can’t have a career year with Buffalo, as he will be given plenty of carries each given Sunday.

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