New Orleans Saints: C.J. Spiller will thrive in 2015

The New Orleans Saints are undergoing a change in offensive philosophy this season.

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Their once heavy pass orientated offense looks to be moving to more a run-first offense. Drew Brees is getting up there in years, and the Saints look to be trying to ease his workload in 2015 and beyond.

One of their biggest offseason signings was getting C.J. Spiller from the Buffalo Bills.

Spiller was drafted by the Bills in the 2010 NFL Draft with the ninth-overall pick. Spiller didn’t have an impact in his rookie season, but since then has become a good NFL player. 2012 was Spiller’s best season, as he totaled 207 carries, 1,244 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns. He was also very good catching the ball out of the backfield in 2012, as he totaled 43 receptions and 459 receiving yards.

Last season, Spiller suffered a broken collarbone against the Minnesota Vikings which ended his season early. Spiller was struggling in 2014 before the injury, as he totaled just 300 rushing yards and a 3.8 yards per carry average.

The Bills weren’t using Spiller correctly, as they were running him in between the tackles mostly, instead of using his speed on the outside. In 2015, Spiller’s new team is looking to get him out and space so he can use his speed on the fast track of the Superdome.

“He’s explosive. He knows what to do. I think there’s a real good fit for him with what we’re going to do offensively. We’ll put him in a role where, whether he’s in the backfield, (or) flexed out. The key I think for him is when we study him is finding him ways to get him the ball in space and let him utilize his skillset and speed.” Saints’ head coach Sean Payton said to NewOrleansSaints.com.

Last offseason, the Saints left Darren Sproles go in free agency. Sproles leaving clearly effected the Saints’ offense, as he was a great safety valve and weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. Brees had the ability to check down to Sproles, and let the crafty running back make something out of nothing.

In 2013, Sproles totaled 71 receptions, 604 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. The three seasons Sproles was in New Orleans was also three of Brees’ best seasons in the NFL statistically. With Sproles in Philadelphia now, Spiller could fill-in for Sproles in a similar capacity.

May 28, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller (28) during organized team activities at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

While Sproles in one of the best receiving running backs in the NFL, Spiller is also very talented in that category. In five seasons, Spiller has totaled 158 receptions, 1,195 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns.

In 2015, Spiller will likely set career-highs in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns with Brees as his quarterback.

Mark Ingram will be the Saints’ workhorse as a pure running back, but Spiller is going to be a valuable weapon in the offense.

2014 was a very disappointing season for the Saints, and the front office has made a lot of moves to try and once again become the best team in the NFC South.

Next: Will Drew Brees be elite in 2015?

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