starkeeper
07-18-2006, 08:05 PM
The Bills know who their self-proclaimed 'horse' is, Willis McGahee. And though McGahee's role is expected to be expanded on third downs and in the passing game, even the horse needs a breather every so often.
Enter the candidates gunning for the number two running back position behind McGahee. Currently there are four; Lionel Gates, Fred Jackson, Anthony Thomas and Shaud Williams.
Williams held the backup title in 2005 rushing for 161 yards on 45 carries (3.6 avg.). He also made 17 receptions for 118 yards as he saw time mostly on third downs. If there is a knock on Williams it's that he goes down too soon after initial contact.
He knows he often has to make a defender miss by relying on his elusiveness if he's going to make a big play.
"That's something that has got me to where I am today and something I'll keep using," said Williams.
It's also what sets him apart from Thomas and Gates who are more straight-ahead runners although Gates is capable of bouncing a run outside.
And while that talent is admirable when it results in positive gains, offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild has harped on the running backs to just take what's in front of them.
"Mainly he wants us to just get positive yards at all times," said Gates. "He doesn't really like the negative, side-to-side thing. He wants us to get positive yards always."
Gates is capable of doing that with his well cut 228-pound frame.
"This is my job and if I want to keep it then I'm going to have to do what they ask me to do," said Gates. "If it's roll it up in the hole then I'm going to do that."
Despite being 228 pounds Gates has worked on his speed and quickness to enhance his chances of getting on the field this season, and benefited from the extra reps he got this spring due to the absence of McGahee.
He's also had his nose in the playbook more and believes Fairchild's system is easier to grasp.
"I feel so much more comfortable," he said. "I don't have to think a lot like I did last year. I was doing a lot of thinking, trying to learn the system and play at the same time. Now it's just all about playing. I'm very familiar with the system."
But the player likely standing in the way of Gates and Williams is veteran signee Anthony Thomas. Bills head coach Dick Jauron is one of the last coaches to play favorites, but the fact remains that he and Thomas have a history from their days together in Chicago when Thomas set a franchise record for most rushing yards by a rookie (1,183).
"He's a pro," said Jauron. "He takes his craft seriously, he prepares himself and he stays in shape. He's very serious about what he does. In his first three years he rushed for over 3,000 yards and that's how I know him. He's not a complainer. I have a lot of faith in him."
Thomas who entered the spring camps lighter at 219 pounds hopes to be quicker at his reduced weight knowing he doesn't possess quite the shiftiness of the other candidates. But one thing he has been when given the opportunity is productive.
"He'll perform for us I know that," said Jauron.
Thomas considers Jauron one of those "special coaches" that you want to lay it on the line for, which is why Jauron is so confident that Thomas will do what is necessary to be effective when asked to carry the football.
Some might feel that Williams and Gates have an advantage having run behind Buffalo's offensive line for the past couple of years in the practice and game settings. But coming in Thomas knows the blocking style of Mike Gandy, Chris Villarrial and Daimon Shelton having all been former Chicago teammates.
"It helps because if you know what guys can do out on the field it gives you more confidence running behind them," said Thomas.
Fred Jackson was a game breaker in NFL Europe, and is similar to Williams in terms of speed and quickness, but he may find being productive in the NFL landscape harder to achieve.
The bottom line is Jauron and his staff has made the backup job one that will be hotly contested. Thomas is likely the favorite going in because he is proven and his best seasons took place right in front of Jauron's eyes. But Buffalo's head coach is known for being open-minded so everyone will have an opportunity to impress.
"They can all compete," said Jauron. "And Willis can get better too. The competition will only help us."
Enter the candidates gunning for the number two running back position behind McGahee. Currently there are four; Lionel Gates, Fred Jackson, Anthony Thomas and Shaud Williams.
Williams held the backup title in 2005 rushing for 161 yards on 45 carries (3.6 avg.). He also made 17 receptions for 118 yards as he saw time mostly on third downs. If there is a knock on Williams it's that he goes down too soon after initial contact.
He knows he often has to make a defender miss by relying on his elusiveness if he's going to make a big play.
"That's something that has got me to where I am today and something I'll keep using," said Williams.
It's also what sets him apart from Thomas and Gates who are more straight-ahead runners although Gates is capable of bouncing a run outside.
And while that talent is admirable when it results in positive gains, offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild has harped on the running backs to just take what's in front of them.
"Mainly he wants us to just get positive yards at all times," said Gates. "He doesn't really like the negative, side-to-side thing. He wants us to get positive yards always."
Gates is capable of doing that with his well cut 228-pound frame.
"This is my job and if I want to keep it then I'm going to have to do what they ask me to do," said Gates. "If it's roll it up in the hole then I'm going to do that."
Despite being 228 pounds Gates has worked on his speed and quickness to enhance his chances of getting on the field this season, and benefited from the extra reps he got this spring due to the absence of McGahee.
He's also had his nose in the playbook more and believes Fairchild's system is easier to grasp.
"I feel so much more comfortable," he said. "I don't have to think a lot like I did last year. I was doing a lot of thinking, trying to learn the system and play at the same time. Now it's just all about playing. I'm very familiar with the system."
But the player likely standing in the way of Gates and Williams is veteran signee Anthony Thomas. Bills head coach Dick Jauron is one of the last coaches to play favorites, but the fact remains that he and Thomas have a history from their days together in Chicago when Thomas set a franchise record for most rushing yards by a rookie (1,183).
"He's a pro," said Jauron. "He takes his craft seriously, he prepares himself and he stays in shape. He's very serious about what he does. In his first three years he rushed for over 3,000 yards and that's how I know him. He's not a complainer. I have a lot of faith in him."
Thomas who entered the spring camps lighter at 219 pounds hopes to be quicker at his reduced weight knowing he doesn't possess quite the shiftiness of the other candidates. But one thing he has been when given the opportunity is productive.
"He'll perform for us I know that," said Jauron.
Thomas considers Jauron one of those "special coaches" that you want to lay it on the line for, which is why Jauron is so confident that Thomas will do what is necessary to be effective when asked to carry the football.
Some might feel that Williams and Gates have an advantage having run behind Buffalo's offensive line for the past couple of years in the practice and game settings. But coming in Thomas knows the blocking style of Mike Gandy, Chris Villarrial and Daimon Shelton having all been former Chicago teammates.
"It helps because if you know what guys can do out on the field it gives you more confidence running behind them," said Thomas.
Fred Jackson was a game breaker in NFL Europe, and is similar to Williams in terms of speed and quickness, but he may find being productive in the NFL landscape harder to achieve.
The bottom line is Jauron and his staff has made the backup job one that will be hotly contested. Thomas is likely the favorite going in because he is proven and his best seasons took place right in front of Jauron's eyes. But Buffalo's head coach is known for being open-minded so everyone will have an opportunity to impress.
"They can all compete," said Jauron. "And Willis can get better too. The competition will only help us."