Another season is ahead of us, and what could be another Bills offense that is led by All-Pro back LeSean McCoy. Maybe this type of question is unnecessary because most know the answer, especially Bills fans. Since being traded to the Bills in 2015, McCoy has arguably played in the biggest role in why the Bills light the scoreboard.
Shady has been the Bills #1 playmaker on offense since joining the squad. In his three years as a Buffalo Bill, he’s rushed for 3,300 yards and 22 touchdowns. Also making plays in the passing game, he has 1,096 and 5 scores. The offense that will be ran this year will be much different this year for McCoy. He has a new offensive coordinator, a new quarterback and an almost brand new offensive line in front of him.
Even with this new change, expect McCoy to be the Bills go-to guy for this new developing offense for different reasons.
1.) Consistency is Key
If there is one word to describe McCoy’s career, consistency should come to mind. In Philadelphia, McCoy was apart of an offense where he played a crucial role in succeeding but there were also other playmakers on that offense. He was able to make the big plays and set the offense up for success.
When he came to Buffalo, he came in as arguably the only true playmaker on the offense. On paper, going into the 2015 season, the Bills offense looked stacked but by the time the season ended, it was McCoy who kept up most of his productivity even with a hamstring injury. From 2016 on, he led the Bills in rushing and was one of the top rushers in the entire league. He ranked 4th in rushing yards last season behind Le’Veon Bell, Todd Gurley and Kareem Hunt.
With the questions surrounding the Bills, their running game is not one. The running game should remain stable, especially from November on.
2.) The QB Controversy
Sean McDermott will have to name a starting quarterback between Josh Allen, Nathan Peterman and AJ McCarron. A new quarterback core means McDermott has work to do in trying to find his new and possible franchise guy. Unless one of these three shine and utilize the passing game available to them, the running game will remain the same.
3.) Lack Of WR Depth
The Bills weakest spot on the roster is wide receiver. Kelvin Benjamin will take over the WR1 spot, but he did not perform like the main wide receiver last season after being traded to the Bills. Benjamin suffered a torn meniscus and was not 100% for the rest of the season. The Bills then have Zay Jones, Andre Holmes, Rod Streater and Brandon Reilly. These guys could be seen a lot in 2018, but this isn’t a group that looks intimidating to secondaries.
To make plays in the passing game, teams need the wide receiver talent. The Bills haven’t displayed much threat in the pass. The go-to has always been the run game. McCoy will more than likely carry the offense again.
Brandon Ray is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the NFL and the Buffalo Bills. Follow him on Twitter at @brandon_ray79 and @FPC_Bills for Bills coverage.
