Bills’ Jackson could have big opportunity

By Connor Byrne  |   Thursday, November 29, 2007  |  Comments( 70 )

Buffalo Bills
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When Buffalo goes on the road to face the Washington Redskins this Sunday, there is a chance the Bills' first- and second-string running backs, Marshawn Lynch and Anthony Thomas, will miss the game. Lynch, who sprained his ankle in Week 10 and hasn't played since, is likely to sit out; meanwhile, Thomas -- a 30-year-old who accounted for 91 total yards and a touchdown last week -- strained his calf and could miss the Bills' tilt in Washington.

If that does end up being the case, Sunday will be a golden opportunity for reserve runner Fred Jackson to put his name on the map and cement his place as a viable weapon in the Bills' floundering offense.

In last week's 36-14 loss to Jacksonville, the 26-year-old rookie was quite impressive, accumulating 65 total yards on 10 touches. As Jackson, an ex-United Indoor Football League star, showed throughout August's preseason schedule, he's an outstanding receiving target out of the backfield. Against the Jaguars, in fact, he totaled five catches for an impressive 47 yards.

This Sunday, even if Thomas plays, Jackson should be looked to often by offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild, especially as a pass catcher. Rookie quarterback Trent Edwards, who was named the starter earlier this week in place of struggling fourth-year man J.P. Losman, has executed the Bills' conservative game plan well in past starts this season, and he's also adept at hitting his check-downs if either no wideouts are open downfield or opposing defenders are in his face. Jackson, if he garners an adequate amount of reps, would certainly come in handy for the primarily short-throwing Edwards.

If Buffalo feeds the ball to the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Jackson both on the ground and through the air, it would force the Redskins to respect him as a legitimate threat, which would then open up other opportunities (perhaps even downfield ones) for Buffalo's 'O', which is facing Washington's 13th-ranked pass defense. (Of course, recently murdered star safety Sean Taylor was a big reason for the success of the Redskins' secondary.)

To some, it may seem as if the Bills will have no chance if they have to rely on Jackson (nine carries this year) to help lead them to victory Sunday. However, considering all the injuries they've dealt with in 2007, the notion of a third-string, little-known running back possibly starting (or at least seeing significant time) in a crucial game is hardly daunting for either the players or coaches.

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CommentsComments: 70  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Ron		09:18 AM
11/29/2007
I'll be curious to see how Edwards and Jackson do against a good (9th overall, 13th pass, 11th rush) defense, and one in a foul...
No.2
ddd		09:27 AM
11/29/2007
Like I said yesterday, Fred Jackson looks like he can play. He has good size and strength. He kind of reminds me of Deuce...
No.3
Nate		09:49 AM
11/29/2007
Fred Jackson is just the latest example of why we "know nothing fans" shouldn't prostrate ourselves at the feet of the all...
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