When the Buffalo Bills traded Kiko Alonso to the Philadelphia Eagles for LeSean McCoy, they thought the running back position was set and that McCoy would get majority of the carries. However, with McCoy limited due to a hamstring injury and Fred Jackson released and now playing in Seattle, the Bills needed a new work horse to get most of the touches out of the backfield.
In comes rookie RB Karlos Willaims, VAVEL NFL’s Week 3 Rookie of the Week, a fifth-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft out of Florida State. He spent his first two years in Tallahassee as a safety and return specialist. When he was converted to running back, Williams showed he had a knack for it, but did not have a dominant two years and his draft stock fell. All he needed was a chance and Buffalo was willing to give him one.
When McCoy was limited due to his hamstring, he got the chance he wanted and took it. Although Williams only had 12 carries, he made the most out of those carries and gained 110 rushing yards and a touchdown. He had 9.2 yards per carry on the day. Williams’ biggest play in the game against Miami came on a 41-yard run in which he showed a great balance of speed and power.
Williams may also get the start next Sunday as the Bills host the New York Giants at Ralph Wilson Stadium at 1 PM ET. The Giants defense has not been fantastic this year, but showed some improvement in their victory over the Washington Redskins. Their major successes came in interceptions on Kirk Cousins. This may limit how much the Bills use Tyrod Taylor. The Bills have had no issues running with Williams in the backfield. Look for Buffalo to continue the success on the ground and maybe even try to include Williams in the passing game on screens and short routes to the flat.