The rookie struggles of Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller are well-documented in this space. Spiller, the No. 9 overall pick in this past April's NFL Draft, is averaging five carries for 19 yards per game - along with two receptions for a further 10 yards - in his first professional season. He has found the end zone twice, both in a Week 3 loss to New England. To say his impact has been minimal is an understatement, whether it's his fault or not.
When the Bills take on the Detroit Lions in Week 10 action this Sunday, Spiller will be directly compared to fellow rookie speed back Jahvid Best, selected No. 30 overall in April. Best, who exploded onto the NFL scene with five total touchdowns in his first two games, has created much more buzz than Spiller, but is still ultimately struggling as a runner.
Best is getting a lot more work than Spiller. While Spiller averages seven total touches per game, Best - who battled turf toe early in the season, but has not yet missed a game - averages 18 touches per contest. He gains 88 yards per contest, which dwarfs Spiller's average of 29, as well. But Best is averaging just 3.2 yards per carry, and has not scored a touchdown in six consecutive games. His biggest impact has come as a receiver, where his 41 receptions pace the Lions, putting him ahead of even Calvin Johnson in that category.If Buffalo plans to win their first game of the season while simultaneously preventing Detroit from snapping a lengthy road losing streak, they'll need to contain Best. The Bills have struggled mightily with speedy runners such as Danny Woodhead, Deji Karim and Jamaal Charles in 2010, surrendering over 7.0 yards per carry and 15.0 yards per reception to quicker backs.
source: Yahoo Sports
author: Brian Galliford on Buffalo Bill News
photo: Bruce Kluckjohn, et al
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