The Buffalo Bills are expecting to be the workhorse running back for the team and it is clear other teams know that. In Week 1, the running back had 17 carries in the offense, but only produced 41 yards, averaging just 2.4 yards per carry. That was not exactly the numbers the Bills were hoping to get on the ground from their leading rusher and it opened the door for rookie Karlos Williams to steal the show with 55 yards and touchdown off just six carries.
According to head coach Rex Ryan, do not expect a running back rotation in Buffalo. McCoy is the starter and it will remain as such despite Williams averaging 9.2 yards per carry on the day. The low average for McCoy could be chalked up to injury as the running back missed a good portion of the preseason with an injured hamstring. However, Williams has a similar story after undergoing a medical procedure that kept him out of camp.
Listen, it's a brand-new season," McCoy said, via the Buffalo News. "Sometimes, there wasn't. Sometimes, I didn't make the right cuts. It's a group thing. We have to get there. That's the thing," he said. "Them young dudes, they keep rolling."
McCoy gave credit where credit is due. The veteran is well aware he is not losing his spot to a rookie despite one lackluster performance. Fantasy owners would be very wise to keep McCoy in the RB1 slot, but Williams is a name to remember. As a change-of-pace running back, he did exactly what was asked of him and was rewarded with a trip into the endzone. Williams could be a developing star for the Bills that will help take pressure off McCoy in 2015.
"I had a run where I kind of broke out up the middle, saw two defenders coming to sandwich me and I'm big enough to take those hits from the sides and still get a couple yards after that. It's all about opportunities. My size and speed are a blessing from God," Williams said.
While there is no question who the star of the run game is, there are some issues with the receiving game. Tyrod Taylor clearly favored Percy Harvin in Week 1, leaving Sammy Watkins without a catch after not getting targeted until the fourth quarter. That is not what is expected out of the receiver who is supposed to be the next face of the franchise. Head coach Rex Ryan downplayed the issue and noted that they simply react to the defense and do what is necessary to get the win.
"I think sometimes it's going to be like that," Ryan said, via the Buffalo News. "Whatever the plan is. Quite honestly, we were trying to play keep away a little bit from Indianapolis and had some more underneath throws. He was open a couple times. Protection broke down. We could've had a 60- or 70-yard touchdown. Is it rare that Sammy went without a catch? Yeah, it'll probably happen once this season. Our focus is to win the game."
