Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett had planned on feeding C.J. Spiller this season until the running back "throws up," but during Week 1, Fred Jackson did a good amount of eating.
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By the second quarter of Sunday's 23-21 loss to the New England Patriots, the runners were splitting backfield duties. A first-drive fumble didn't help Spiller, who was shut down by a Patriots defense keying on the playmaker.
Jackson led the Bills in rushing yards (67 yards on 13 carries -- a 5.2 average) and receiving yards (41 yards on four catches).
Spiller is the star. Jackson knows that, and he's just looking for any chance to prove, at 32, he's still got it.
"I can't control what they decide to do with carries," Jackson said Monday, per The Buffalo News. "But I'll be ready, whatever my role is. I've always felt I can contribute, and when I get the opportunity ... I'll be ready."
We don't believe Spiller's average of 6 yards per rush last season was an aberration, but it was evident Sunday that coach Doug Marrone's offense was more effective when the two backs were rotating.
Jackson is not a soiled piece of toast. When healthy, he has proven capable of carrying a load and providing veteran leadership on a young team learning how to win.
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