Buffalo Bills: LeSean McCoy Owes the Bills a Big Season
By Paul Taylor
Buffalo Bills’ running back LeSean McCoy will not face any disciplinary action from the NFL, but now it’s up to him to prove himself on the field.
For the second successive week, the Buffalo Bills received some good news in respect of LeSean McCoy. As first reported by Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News, the NFL will not discipline the running back.
Carucci received the update from league spokesman Brian McCarthy: “Our review is concluded. No further action.” The NFL’s decision follows hot on the heels of McCoy learning he wouldn’t be charged for his alleged involvement in a bar brawl in Philadelphia, back in February.
Understandably, this is good news for both the team and the player, with the 28-year old now able to focus on training camp. Here’s the thing though – he now owes the Bills a big season.
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Of course, some people may consider this a bit extreme. However, all you need to do is look at how much unwanted attention McCoy has received, since being traded to the Bills in March last year.
In particular, there were the 28-year old’s comments soon after arriving in Buffalo, asking why his former coach, Chip Kelly, was getting rid of all the good black players? This was followed in June by the release of a poster advising he was hosting a “females only” private event.
Now if you want to be objective, you can look at these incidents – including the bar brawl – and conceivably excuse any of them on an individual basis. However, when you put them together, it alludes to the possibility of recurring trouble.
We’re not at the point of no return yet, but you have to wonder if the Bills are already getting nervous about McCoy? He is only entering the second season of a $40 million, five-year deal, which includes $26.5 million in guaranteed money.
In addition, the four-time Pro Bowler is coming off an injury-affected campaign, which was first compromised by a nagging hamstring issue. His season was eventually ended early, by an MCL sprain.
In total, McCoy missed four games and was limited to 895 rushing yards and three scores (with another 292 yards and two scores through the air). In fairness, if he can stay fit, there is every reason to believe he can return to the form which saw him lead all rushers in 2013, especially as part of the league’s best ground game from a season ago.
It should be noted the two-time First-Team All-Pro has missed some of spring practice with an ankle or hamstring injury (depending on what you believe). However, it is not expected to affect his status once training camp starts.
Overall, McCoy has to hope he can remain relatively healthy, while also making a better effort to stay away from controversy off the filed. He needs to prove to the Bills and their fans that he is worth the faith (and money) which has been invested in him.
Next: Is Aaron Williams making the right decision?
With McCoy’s off-field issues behind him, what are you expecting from him this season? Do you think he will have another up-and-down campaign, or do you see him once again becoming a 1,000-yard rusher? Let us know in the comments section below.