Jacksonville Jaguars Have Every Reason To Get C.J. Spiller
By Erik Lambert
Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) runs past Detroit Lions outside linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Finding a new home for C.J. Spiller may seem like a challenge, but according to simple numbers, the Jacksonville Jaguars make the most sense.
Toby Gerhart and Storm Johnson unable to balance offense
Why the Jaguars? They rank 32nd in the NFL in rushing offense (69.5 yards per game). That is about as easy an answer as can be provided to encourage a team to trade for a dynamic running back. Current investments like free agent Toby Gerhart and rookie Storm Johnson have not found much success in Jacksonville. Both are averaging under 3.4 yards per carry. In fact the only player who isn’t is quarterback Blake Bortles, who has been forced to throw more without the presence of a stable ground attack. That has inevitably led to interceptions for the rookie. Head coach Gus Bradley knows a good running game could do wonders for his team, but as yet he has no answers.
Buffalo Bills holding down Spiller and Bryce Brown
C.J. Spiller could definitely be one. Regardless of the typical pitch offer by team and player, it’s clear something is going on between the 27-year old running back and the Buffalo Bills. Since the beginning of the season his snaps have steadily declined each week, culminating in a paltry 12 against the New England Patriots. He’s not alone either. Bryce Brown, whom the Bills traded for during the NFL draft back in May hasn’t received a single handoff all season. E.J. Manuel was replaced by Kyle Orton. It’s quite clear that the coaching staff in Buffalo has no sense of direction and it’s led to speculation that Spiller is on his way out via trade.
If so then the Jacksonville Jaguars should be able to get him at a reasonable price. His speed would prove most beneficial for their struggling offense and a change of scenery could also help reinvigorate him.