Coming into Sunday's game, Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller was quickly approaching a team milestone.
Spiller, as of early Sunday, had run for 100 or more total yards in six straight games. The team’s record is currently held by Hall Of Fame running back Thurman Thomas, who ran for 100-plus yards in nine straight matches.
However, the
Jacksonville Jaguars held Spiller to 84 yards from scrimmage on Sunday, stopping the running back from catching up to the Hall of Famer.
According to www.buffalobills.com, Thomas averaged 110 rushing yards and around 30 receiving yards per game during his streak. Spiller, coming into Sunday, was averaging 77.5 rushing yards and 35.5 yards receiving per game.
But, Spiller, so far, has received about 10 less touches per game than Thomas did.
“That’s pretty darn productive,” said Thomas told buffalobills.com. “We could be talking about maybe over 200 yards if he gets the ball a little bit more. So to be that productive with a limited amount of carries is impressive, and we know the story of how they work things out with Fred Jackson also being back there. But I’ve always said that this guy at any time can snap one off and go 60 or 70 yards a couple of times a game. I think everybody is starting to realize the speed that he has to get to the outside and turn it up field and get a lot of yards.”
Spiller said he has communicated regularly with Thomas since Spiller was drafted by the Bills.
“On the phone he’ll send me a text message and encourage me and tell me to keep my head up. He sent me one yesterday telling me to keep working and keep fighting,” Spiller told buffalobills.com. “That’s great to come from a Hall of Famer like him.”
Meanwhile, Thomas knows Spiller will accomplish big things in the league.
“I just know what type of player he can be,” Thomas said. “Obviously he can run the ball, but he can catch the ball also. So I’ve just been encouraging him to keep working hard and everything will work out for him.”
