ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Fred Jackson has the respect of his Buffalo Bills teammates, and the production to show he deserves to be regarded as a top-tiered NFL running back.
The only thing missing Jackson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that's left him "annoyed" is a new contract to go with it.
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Having helped Buffalo get off to a 2-0 start, the only place the NFL's leading rusher's not making forward progress is with the front office. Jackson says he's gotten nowhere in a bid to renegotiate the final two years left on a contract set to pay him a $1.75 million base salary this season.
"We've approached them, and it's not gone the way we would've liked it to," Jackson told The Associated Press prior to practice Wednesday. "I'm annoyed by it. I've been playing at a high level for three straight years now. I would like something to be done about it this year. I want something done that's fair for myself and the team."
General manager Buddy Nix declined to comment, citing a team policy from discussing football business.
Unhappy as he might be, he's not letting off-the-field issues distract him come game time as the Bills prepare to host New England (2-0) on Sunday.
Jackson, called  "the heart and soul" of the Bills by left tackle Demetrius Bell, has gotten off on the right foot. His 229 yards rushing lead the league, and he ranks fifth in averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Just as important, he's played a key role in helping the high-scoring Bills get off to a 2-0 start as they prepare to host AFC East rival New England (2-0) on Sunday. Jackson had 112 yards rushing, including a 24-yarder that set up  a touchdown, in a 41-7 season-opening at Kansas City.Â
He followed that up with a 117-yard, two-touchdown outing that  sparked Buffalo's five-touchdown second half eruption in a 38-35 comeback win over Oakland last weekend.
Jackson is counting on his performance to make a case for a new contract.Â
"I'm just saying I can lead this team," he said. "Give me the ball and I'll make plays for you," Jackson said. "It's both energizing and validating. But it's also motivating."
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
