Chris Ivory's Role In The Running Game?

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

....four tidbits come to mind that could make the 2018 running game more interesting......

1. Daboll making "Thurmal like" use of Shady out of the backfield with 50 catches...
2. One of the youngsters stepping up as the "next Kenneth Davis" as a perfect compliment to Shady and being the change of pace guy like Kenneth was for Thurmal.
3. Ivory is still a beast and could be the punishing down hill guy between the tackles as a change up to Shady.

4. Chris is a nasty run blocker with his size.

....if, and a BIG IF the running game materialized somewhat like that, the passing game could possibly become a threatening, viable and much needed aspect of the offense, especially DOWNFIELD, which has been uncharted waters of late.....

 

 

With Mike Tolbert now gone, it looks like the Buffalo Bills now have a capable backup running back in Chris Ivory. But will he live up to the expectations?
by Paolo Sottile2 days ago

It was very clear to Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane that he needed to address the running back position behind LeSean McCoy after backup running back Mike Tolbert had a terrible first stint with the Bills.

Tolbert had 66 carries for 247 yards, one touchdown and two fumbles. Tolbert somehow managed to be the backup running back throughout the entire season, as he averaged 3.7 yards per carry opposed to McCoy’s 4.0.

Tolbert also saw his playing time decrease later in the season, as he lost snaps to Travaris Cadet who was averaging 4.2 yards per carry until he suffered a dislocated ankle on Christmas Eve. The 10-year veteran only signed a one-year deal worth $980,000, so it’s not like Beane and company invested a huge stock into Tolbert. But by his numbers it comically looks like the Bills sadly overpaid.

After the Wild Card game against Jacksonville, Beane got a taste of what needed to go, but also what needed to come in. Tolbert finished the game with four carries for 15 yards.

Flash forward to free agency in March and Buffalo’s number two running back was still from that game. This time it was on the other side of the ball with Jaguars running back Chris Ivory, who signed a two-year deal with the Bills worth $5.5 million.

https://buffalowdown.com/2018/06/22/...is-ivory-2018/

 

Edited June 25, 2018 by OldTimeAFLGuy

[Dadonkadonk]

Ivory had 3.4 YPC in 2017. Tolbert was 3.7 in 2017.

I suspect he is done.

Hope I'm wrong but running backs go from great to out of the league at his age and with his decline in production.

They have no cap issues so keeping him to see how it goes is probably wise. But my guess is he looks old and slow in training camp and they cut him.  

If he has a bounce back year and can catch 35 balls and run 100 times for 3.8 YPC then he should be a good complement to Shady.

[John from Riverside]

The reason why I loved the Ivory signing was being able to scheme fit his talents into the offense without tipping off the defense on plays

 

The base is his hard running physical style to gain those short yards on 3rd and short and on goal line situations.

 

but

 

A very underrated pass catcher as well.....at the end of the day there are literally 4 running backs that can catch passes (if you include Dimarco) Cadet is an excellent Kenneth Davis type.....and Shady is of course the work horse of the running back stable.

 

We might be short on talent at other positions......running back is not one of them.

[26CornerBlitz]

 

His roll better have butter or he'll be upset. 

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

1 minute ago, Dadonkadonk said:

Ivory had 3.4 YPC in 2017. Tolbert was 3.7 in 2017.

I suspect he is done.

Hope I'm wrong but running backs go from great to out of the league at his age and with his decline in production.

They have no cap issues so keeping him to see how it goes is probably wise. But my guess is he looks old and slow in training camp and they cut him.  

If he has a bounce back year and can catch 35 balls and run 100 times for 3.8 YPC then he should be a good complement to Shady.

 

...is he physically done or can Daboll resurrect his career versus Dennison's offense with Tolbert?.....still think Tolbert was more of a locker room leading solidifier versus his RB prowess.....and he did serve that role....

[White Linen]

54 minutes ago, Dadonkadonk said:

Ivory had 3.4 YPC in 2017. Tolbert was 3.7 in 2017.

I suspect he is done.

Hope I'm wrong but running backs go from great to out of the league at his age and with his decline in production.

They have no cap issues so keeping him to see how it goes is probably wise. But my guess is he looks old and slow in training camp and they cut him.  

If he has a bounce back year and can catch 35 balls and run 100 times for 3.8 YPC then he should be a good complement to Shady.

 

Ivory is 2 years and 4 months younger and was nearly 41% more productive in just 2 more games.  He's done because look what Tolbert did?

 

He's the perfect compliment - in terms of age (maturity) and style.  He's the kind of back that can not get a carry in 2 straight weeks - then give you everything he's got in the next game because the match up is better.  He understands his role.  

 

Yes a guy that gets two carries, one for 1 yard and another for 10 has a 5.5 YPC - but Ivory is the kind that gets you one for 3 and another for 4 - obviously not every time but he's a guy that truly hangs more around his average. 

 

He's a battering ram - a pain to tackle - veteran that is rested (didn't play a ton the 2nd half of last season) - he absolutely is a threat in the passing game (very much unlike your comparison of Tolbert - and he's exactly the type of runner this team needed.

 

 

Edited June 24, 2018 by White Linen

[Go-Bills]

12 minutes ago, White Linen said:

 

Ivory is 2 years and 4 months younger and was nearly 41% more productive in just 2 more games.  He's done because look what Tolbert did?

 

He's the perfect compliment - in terms of age (maturity) and style.  He's the kind of back that can not get a carry in 2 straight weeks - then give you everything he's got in the next game because the match up is better.  He understands his role.  

 

Yes a guy that gets two carries, one for 1 yard and another for 10 has a 5.5 YPC - but Ivory is the kind that gets you one for 3 and another for 4 - obviously not every time but he's a guy that truly hangs more around his average. 

 

He's a battering ram - a pain to tackle - veteran that is rested (didn't play a ton the 2nd half of last season) - he absolutely is a threat in the passing game (very much unlike your comparison of Tolbert - and he's exactly the type of runner this team needed.

 

 

I agree! he will be fresh and ready to punish!!!

[RocCityRoller]

1 hour ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

...is he physically done or can Daboll resurrect his career versus Dennison's offense with Tolbert?.....still think Tolbert was more of a locker room leading solidifier versus his RB prowess.....and he did serve that role....

 

If the O-line was still intact, I would agree. With all of it in flux and unknown, and the Daboll run scheme largely untested I am holding my breath. Ingram and Ivory have been two RBs I always enjoy watching run, because they run with a bit of nasty. Just not sure what Chris Ivory we are getting, and how the O-Line, scheme etc will meld. IMO it is a good risk for both parties.

 

It should also be known Ivory has had a bit of a fumble history. His ball security is my primary concern.

[oldmanfan]

If his roll isn't kummelweck then he should be released imnediately

[YoloinOhio]

I would guess similar to Tolbert’s last year but hopefully he will be better at it. I think Cadet and Murphy will be used some in the passing game. 

[3rdand12]

1 hour ago, Dadonkadonk said:

Ivory had 3.4 YPC in 2017. Tolbert was 3.7 in 2017.

I suspect he is done.

Hope I'm wrong but running backs go from great to out of the league at his age and with his decline in production.

They have no cap issues so keeping him to see how it goes is probably wise. But my guess is he looks old and slow in training camp and they cut him.  

If he has a bounce back year and can catch 35 balls and run 100 times for 3.8 YPC then he should be a good complement to Shady.

What Tolbert lacked was the ability to catch and run behind the line of scrimmage. someone can pull up those stats and I bet theys sucked.
They brought him as Vet Presence in the locker room and some serviceability ( misused i might add )

 Ivory 3.4 needs to be taken in context.

color me an Ivory Fan. I think he is far and away a better player than Mike Tolbert. Plus he knows the game inside out. Won't make mistakes on blitz and blocking assignments.
Low miles for his age. and a good fit for the Bills.

 Cadet can do the twitchy stuff

[Big Turk]

"Role"...its "Role" not "Roll"

[3rdand12]

13 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

If his roll isn't kummelweck then he should be released imnediately

whats your opinion on Blu cheese vs Ranch ?

 I say we give him a season before we preemptively judge him as a Buffalo Bill. I think he will be a great fit although unspectacular .
any thing more is bonus au jus
 

4 minutes ago, matter2003 said:

"Role"...its "Role" not "Roll"

sure it's not roll ?

[RocCityRoller]

2 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

whats your opinion on Blu cheese vs Ranch ?

 

Do you really have to ask!?

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

21 minutes ago, RocCityRoller said:

 

If the O-line was still intact, I would agree. With all of it in flux and unknown, and the Daboll run scheme largely untested I am holding my breath. Ingram and Ivory have been two RBs I always enjoy watching run, because they run with a bit of nasty. Just not sure what Chris Ivory we are getting, and how the O-Line, scheme etc will meld. IMO it is a good risk for both parties.

 

It should also be known Ivory has had a bit of a fumble history. His ball security is my primary concern.

 

...cannot argue with any points Roc.....but at least there's a shred of optimism especially if the OL shows up bigger than expected.....

[RocCityRoller]

2 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

...cannot argue with any points Roc.....but at least there's a shred of optimism especially if the OL shows up bigger than expected.....

 

Ditto to you. Always enjoy your posts. I do think the scheme adjustment, new faces on OL etc will take 6-8 games to gel, but I think once that happens the OL will be better than anticipated given the turnover, and Shady and Ivory will be productive. Not counting out Cadet and Murphy as contributors though.

[Big Turk]

10 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

whats your opinion on Blu cheese vs Ranch ?

 I say we give him a season before we preemptively judge him as a Buffalo Bill. I think he will be a great fit although unspectacular .
any thing more is bonus au jus
 

sure it's not roll ?

Not unless we are talking about him being eaten on a sandwich or going down a hill

[Domdab99]

I'm going to assume it will be to back up Shady and to run the ball. 

[3rdand12]

13 minutes ago, matter2003 said:

Not unless we are talking about him being eaten on a sandwich or going down a hill

:  )

8 minutes ago, Domdab99 said:

I'm going to assume it will be to back up Shady and to run the ball. 

safe call. perhaps block and catch a bit as well ?

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

9 minutes ago, RocCityRoller said:

 

Ditto to you. Always enjoy your posts. I do think the scheme adjustment, new faces on OL etc will take 6-8 games to gel, but I think once that happens the OL will be better than anticipated given the turnover, and Shady and Ivory will be productive. Not counting out Cadet and Murphy as contributors though.

 

...probably my useless baseless yip (Centrum Silver does NOT work). but I like Daboll taking charge relative to OL schemes..to paraphrase, thought he said it would be "scheme specific" to the opposition's defense (tweaks versus radical changes IMO).....perhaps wrong, but Castillo gives me the impression of "one size fits all"....would love to see Cadet/Murphy being the next "Kenneth Davis clone(s)" to allow Daboll greater flexibility with Shady more like versatile Thurmal..............

[Domdab99]

17 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

:  )

safe call. perhaps block and catch a bit as well ?

 

don't put words in my mouth

[3rdand12]

2 minutes ago, Domdab99 said:

 

don't put words in my mouth

and why I began with.. perhaps..

☺️

[Rocky Landing]

 

3 hours ago, Dadonkadonk said:

Ivory had 3.4 YPC in 2017. Tolbert was 3.7 in 2017.

I suspect he is done.

Hope I'm wrong but running backs go from great to out of the league at his age and with his decline in production.

They have no cap issues so keeping him to see how it goes is probably wise. But my guess is he looks old and slow in training camp and they cut him.  

If he has a bounce back year and can catch 35 balls and run 100 times for 3.8 YPC then he should be a good complement to Shady.

He had a pretty steep drop-off in production from 2016 to 2017. I have a hard time believing that it's simply a question of age. Players don't generally decline that quickly. He's only 30-- a year older than Shady. I was super happy with signing. Was was a beast in '15, and '16, but I would like to know the reason for his decline last year. A Shady/Ivory duo could be great.

[Doc]

3 hours ago, Dadonkadonk said:

Ivory had 3.4 YPC in 2017. Tolbert was 3.7 in 2017.

I suspect he is done.

Hope I'm wrong but running backs go from great to out of the league at his age and with his decline in production.

They have no cap issues so keeping him to see how it goes is probably wise. But my guess is he looks old and slow in training camp and they cut him.  

If he has a bounce back year and can catch 35 balls and run 100 times for 3.8 YPC then he should be a good complement to Shady.

 

Fournette averaged 3.9 YPC.  I'd be more inclined to chalk that up to the OL.

[Dadonkadonk]

1 hour ago, 3rdand12 said:

What Tolbert lacked was the ability to catch and run behind the line of scrimmage. someone can pull up those stats and I bet theys sucked.
They brought him as Vet Presence in the locker room and some serviceability ( misused i might add )

 Ivory 3.4 needs to be taken in context.

color me an Ivory Fan. I think he is far and away a better player than Mike Tolbert. Plus he knows the game inside out. Won't make mistakes on blitz and blocking assignments.
Low miles for his age. and a good fit for the Bills.

 Cadet can do the twitchy stuff

Taken into what context?  You can't state that and then not give the context to which you are referring.  It is illogical.

The Jags had just as bad a passing game as the Bills did and were run heavy with a clear #1 back.  Seems pretty similar to Bills 2017.

Tolbert was terrible in 2017.  He should have never made the team and his presence the entire year played a role in no comp picks.  I'm happy they moved on and if Ivory looks anything like his 2015 season it will be a great signing.  

You just don't see that many backs declining in YPC have a resurrection.  But like you and others have said, 30 catches, good run blocking, and a few key reps per game may be just enough.

 

 

 

[EasternOHBillsFan]

I think he prefers a kaiser roll to a regular roll, but I'm not familiar with his eating habits.

[Punching Bag]

4 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

His roll better have butter or he'll be upset. 

 

In my opinion roll is right word instead of "role" which poster meant.

 

Roll as in ball as in round.  I hope he comes in camp in better shape than he appeared last year.

I have no idea why he was offered so much.

[MarlinTheMagician]

I believe Ivory will be the perfect compliment to Shady.  Should do some of the dirty work that could get Shady dinged plus breathers.  They packed the line on Jacksonville knowing Bortles could not throw (until the playoffs after us, when he magically could).  I expect his YPC to improve - fingers crossed!

[billsfan89]

I worry Ivory is shot. He is 30 and has not had a good season since 2015. On top of that he has had injury issues. Overall I wasn't a big fan of the signing. 

[brianthomas]

Having 2 of the top 5 oldest backs in the NFL surely has to be of some concern. If having old rb's was a great thing, other teams would be doing it.

 

When our Buffalo Bills are out on an island, standing apart from the rest of the league, it makes me nervous thats for sure.

 

I hated the signing of Tolbert last year, i hated the Ivory pickup too.  I really hope Ivory plays well, even just adequate will do.

If all Ivory does is score TD"s from the goal line i'll be happy.

 

Ivory's contract isn't that crazy, but i still would think we couldve found a better player for the price.

Either way i'll root for him to succeed & will hope for the best, just like any Bills fan should do.

GO BILLS!

 

[billsredneck1]

4 hours ago, oldmanfan said:

If his roll isn't kummelweck then he should be released imnediately

i think he's a waste of a roster spot and will be in the final cuts. i think the spot will make up for carrying 3 qbs or 7 wrs. cadet and or murphy are better options.

[stuvian]

he`ll get between 600 and 1000 yards depending on how Shady holds up

[Kwai San]

5 hours ago, White Linen said:

He understands his role.  

 

 

 

Yeah role.....

[Freddie's Dead]

Butch "Shake, Rattle, and" Rolle?

[Buffalo716]

Should be a great compliment to Shady... looking forward to it... he has always ran hard 

 

Shoud keep shady fresher as well

[26CornerBlitz]

1 minute ago, Buffalo716 said:

Should be a great compliment to Shady... looking forward to it... he has always ran hard 

 

Shoud keep shady fresher as well

 

He should definitely say nice things about #25. 

[Buffalo716]

3 minutes ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

He should definitely say nice things about #25. 

 

Of course ?

 

i never said I was an English major ?

[MJS]

I imagine his role will be that of a backup. So pretty limited. Anything we get from him is a bonus.

[Kelly the Dog]

10 hours ago, matter2003 said:

"Role"...its "Role" not "Roll"

Oh, just role with it, dude. 

 

I have always loved Ivory as a player. Don't know if he is shot or not. Obviously, hopefully not. But he's a great complement to Shady. Looks like Cadet is 100% back, which is a third type. 

[billsgpr88]

On 6/25/2018 at 1:26 AM, Dadonkadonk said:

Taken into what context?  You can't state that and then not give the context to which you are referring.  It is illogical.

The Jags had just as bad a passing game as the Bills did and were run heavy with a clear #1 back.  Seems pretty similar to Bills 2017.

Tolbert was terrible in 2017.  He should have never made the team and his presence the entire year played a role in no comp picks.  I'm happy they moved on and if Ivory looks anything like his 2015 season it will be a great signing.  

You just don't see that many backs declining in YPC have a resurrection.  But like you and others have said, 30 catches, good run blocking, and a few key reps per game may be just enough.

Yeah, you're right, there was no context given.. But if you look at the context of thei games in which he was used most, they were often when the jaguars had a huge lead and the opposition presumably knew that they were trying to run out the clock (17 carries in 45-7 win over texans, 17 carries in 27-0 win over colts, 20 carries in 23-7 win over bengals). And, as mentioned by someone else, the jaguars running game was underwhelming despite having one of the best young running backs in the game. Fournette averaged only 3.9 ypg, a number that was inflated by his 90-yard run early in the year. Take that away, his ypg on the season drops to 3.56

On 6/25/2018 at 1:26 AM, Dadonkadonk said: