CJ Spiller: Why Bills RB/WR Convert Is the Next Reggie Bush

He hasn't burst onto the scene just yet, but it's only a matter of time. 

Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller has been itching to make his name in the NFL and his time is now.

The 2010 first round pick experienced some major growing pains last season, and was hardly utilized in Buffalo's offense, receiving only 74 carries in 14 games.

Now, he looks to be a more all-around player.

To begin, he'll be on the field more because through two games, he's shown to be not such a liability pass blocking.

It may seem unimportant, but Chan Gailey needs smart and willing blockers for his wide open attack to be successful.

The more Gailey trusts him to protect Fitzpatrick, the more he'll be on the field. 

Spiller also has demonstrated patience in his last five quarters of football. 

He has Reggie Bush-like acceleration the moment he touches the ball, but can't win on speed alone in the NFL -- I think he has come to that realization now.

Against the Raiders, he utilized his outstanding lateral ability to set up blocks and used his vision to find open space down field. 

It was easily his best game as a pro and a huge confidence builder.

Sure, it was only one game, (and I need to see more) but at least he wasn't running into the backs of his blockers and was able to turn the corner on a few occasions. 

Now that Roscoe Parrish is gone for the year and presumably has played his last game in a Bills uniform, Spiller instantly becomes that bubble screen, quick slant slot guy. 

Gailey is enamored with the four and five receiver sets, and Spiller creates a matchup problem against any nickel corner or linebacker. 

With Fred Jackson pounding the ball on first and second down and receivers like Stevie Johnson and David Nelson moving the chains, Spiller could be left one-on-one underneath in coverage.

The Bills coaching staff loves Jackson but doesn't want to run him into the ground early in the season. While Jackson should get the majority of the runs up the middle, Gailey will insert more toss sweeps and quick pitches when Spiller is in the backfield.

Another reason why Spiller should begin to emerge in the Bills offense is because of how they'll bring him and Jackson on the field together.

Many misdirection plays and counters that initially look like handoffs to Jackson should bring huge holes for Spiller on the backside. 

The Bills know Spiller isn't an inside-the-tackles runner, and although they tried to feature him that way last season, it seems like the coaching staff will be doing whatever they can to get him on the edge of the defense with blockers in front.

In essence, Buffalo will use Spiller very similarly to the way Sean Payton used Reggie Bush in New Orleans.

The overall talent may be different, but the Saints had a workhorse runner ahead of their speedster and loved passing the ball - the same goes for the Bills today.

Expect four to eight carries a game and closer to 15 total touches for Spiller in the future. 

The Bush comparisons were there when he entered the league last season, but don't be surprised if Spiller makes more of a Bush-esque impact from here on out.