Buffalo safety Rafael Bush retires.
By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Bills are often written off by the national narrative. That’s not something running back LeSean McCoy is used to, but that’s the same treatment he’s received this offseason.
McCoy, 31, still thinks he has enough left in the tank. The ever-confident runner said during spring practices he expects to be Buffalo’s “workhorse” runner once again, despite the number additions around him.
The Bills added long-time NFLer Frank Gore and veteran TJ Yeldon during free agency. The 2019 NFL draft saw Buffalo snag Devin Singletary in the third round.
While McCoy and the Bills running game overall had a bad 2018, we’re still unsure how the team feels about him. The slew of roster moves suggests that General Manager Brandon Beane is being cautious. Perhaps that’s the case on paper, but behind the microphone, Beane’s supporting McCoy.
“I’m not concerned. I think LeSean still can play. If not, we would have made the decision to move on,” Beane said speaking to a select group of reporters last month. “He’s very confident, when you talk to him, that he still sees himself up here, and I don’t think you’re changing that. And I wouldn’t want him to think any different. But we’re focused on this year. That’s what we have him under contract for, and I definitely think he’s got enough left in the tank to help us in 2019.”
McCoy might have competition around him, but there’s reason to believe Beane’s right. McCoy did have a career-worst 3.2 yards per carry last season. The Bills leading rusher wasn’t even him or a running back, it was quarterback Josh Allen. But while the Bills running backs struggled week-after-week last year, Buffalo did in another area as well.
While there’s no solid numbers like touchdowns or interceptions to grade an offensive line on, there is Pro Football Focus. The analytics folks breaking down Bills’ 2018 season graded out Buffalo’s offensive line every week, and for a large chunk of the year, the team’s offensive line graded the team as the second-worst run blockers in the NFL.
McCoy is a dynamic runner and could be headed to the Hall of Fame one day, however, he cannot do it all alone. He needs help, and Beane provided a fresh new offensive line in front of McCoy this season, highlighted by center Mitch Morse. While 31 heading into the season, there’s reason to believe McCoy can be better next season.
Rafael Bush retires
The Buffalo Bills announced on Friday that safety Rafael Bush has decided to retire from the NFL. In a corresponding move, the team has signed safety Kurt Coleman to the 53-man roster.
During his 2018 season with the Bills, Bush, 32, played a depth role as both a safety and cornerback. Specifically, Bush played the “big nickel” role for Buffalo, often lining up against larger-stature opponents in the slot. He also filled-in as more of a feature player down the stretch when starting nickel cornerback Taron Johnson was placed on the injured reserve list.
During spring practices, second-year pro Siran Neal started to potentially gain some momentum in this very same role, and Neal could have possibly beat out Bush for this position in Sean McDermott’s defense. With Bush’s retirement, Neal now has the inside track to land this role in 2019.
But Coleman could factor into the discussion for a roster spot as well.
Coleman, 31, joins the Bills having spent time with the Carolina Panthers, McDermott’s previous stop as a defensive coordinator. Coleman spent 2015-17 with the Panthers and spent last season with the New Orleans Saints. Coleman also has played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs in his career.
Coleman does have starting experience in McDermott’s defense, making 30 starts for McDermott in 2015 & 2016. Coleman was a very strong performer for McDermott in their time together, making 11 of his 21 career interceptions in those two seasons.
Of note, the Bills also have rookie Jaquan Johnson in their second behind starters Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer vying for playing time.