"The Buffalo Bills' ability to run the ball well on first down should be the foundation of a successful offense for the team next season. The Bills led the NFL in yards per carry on first-and-10 situations in 2011. The Bills averaged 5.46 yards on 192 carries, not counting quarterback scrambles. That was well ahead of most of the league. Only four other teams averaged better than 5 yards a carry on first and 10. They were Oakland (5.29), New Orleans (5.19), Carolina (5.09) and Pittsburgh (5.07). Not surprisingly, all those teams moved the ball well. New Orleans led the NFL in total offense. Carolina was seventh, Oakland ninth, Pittsburgh 12th and Buffalo 14th. Such good running ability is a testament to the quality of Bills running backs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller and the team's offensive line. It was arguably the best season by a Bills O-line since 1999. It also bodes well for the offense next season. The Bills kept defenses honest on first down with their balance. Buffalo passed 52.7 percent of the time on first and 10 (counting QB scrambles). Most of the time (about 75 percent), those runs came out of spread-like formations, with three or more players in receiver positions. Spread 'em out and run. The Bills ran 94 times for 535 yards (5.69 a carry) with three true wide receivers and the tight end lined up in a traditional spot, next to the tackle. They ran 31 times for 170 yards (5.48) with four wide receivers split out. They ran very well with three receivers, two running backs and no tight end. They averaged 14.9 yards a carry on 12 runs from that personnel group. Most of those runs were a case of specific game-planning. The Bills hurt Oakland (5 runs for 76 yards) with three wides and two backs. And Jackson's 80-yard touchdown run against the Giants came from that group." Read more http://www.prosportsdaily.com/artic...-to-shine-for-bills-running-backs-620582.html
