Question: Is Moss pushing Devin to start?

[Alphadawg7]

I’ve seen some rumblings on Twitter and some mentions about that on TSW over the weekend that basically suggested Moss has blown everyone away and Devin was having some fumbling issues in camp.  They also alluded that because of that, Moss was making a push to over take Devin on the depth chart.  
 

Anyone have any first hand insight on this?  I can’t find anything concrete or official really, and seems like this talk originated from a reporter that was at practices and other people just repeating it.  

 

But I haven’t heard anything or even really been able to find anything that suggested anything negative about Devin in camp.  Although, there are several reports saying Bills are going to split carries between the two and could rotate who starts or sees more carries based on the different strengths/weaknesses of the defense they are facing each week.  But that could just be because Moss has shined, doesn’t mean anything about Devin per se.

 

Again, to be clear, I am NOT suggesting any of this and I do really like both Devin and Moss.  I am just asking if anyone had any better info on this or heard anything similar or anything that refutes this.  
 

End of the day, I think we all have been pretty clear about the fact Moss was going to be involved every week.  No surprise there, now it’s just a question to how much as the season goes on each week.

Edited September 8, 2020 by Alphadawg7

[delirious]

I think the fumbling issue narrative is getting pushed a little too much about Devin Singletary. At least, I'm not worried about it yet. 

 

I don't think McDermott is the type to start a rookie running back so I highly doubt Moss is pushing for the starting role. Of course, Moss could be clearly better than Singletary in all phases of being a RB and he is pushing to start. We won't know that probably until the games start.

[716er]

Just now, delirious said:

I don't think McDermott is the type to start a rookie running back

 

Starting RB is subjective but Singletary started last year as a rookie versus this same team.

[thebandit27]

They’re both going to play. A lot.

 

I’m sure one guy will probably take a back seat if there are ball security issues, but other than that I think you’ll see them used in different situations.

[Rc2catch]

I don’t think the start tag matters. I fully expect to go with the hot hand approach. 
If one is ineffective repeatedly in game I swear I’ll smash my head into the wall if we continue to run the same formation and play like gore last year. 

[Kwai San]

If Moss is CLEARLY better then why would ANYONE be worried if he starts, plays more or whatever?  Whoever is doing better play em!

[Alphadawg7]

2 minutes ago, Kwai San said:

If Moss is CLEARLY better then why would ANYONE be worried if he starts, plays more or whatever?  Whoever is doing better play em!

I wasn’t asking because I am worried.  Was more just curious after seeing some of the rumblings.  

[Shaw66]

I don't anything either, but I doubt it.  

 

I doubt it premarily because rookie running backs rarely start on opening day.   As I understand it, it's very hard for rookie running backs to learn the playbook because of the pass route variations, the blitz pickups and the offensive line blocking schemes.  They get much less of all of that in college.  This year Moss got even less training and preparation in all of that than rookies get in ordinary years.  So if I had to guess, I'd say it will be Singletary.

 

I'm not too worried about Singletary and ball security.  He wasn't great in that category last season, but I expect he will improve.   If he does start putting the ball on the ground again, Moss may push him, but I don't think that will happen.  

[Just Joshin']

I think a lot of this is from the fantasy world and they are harping on a few comments from reporters during camp.  Fantasy tends to echo the comments until they become the story vs a notation.  They are also using the 3rd round pick as "see, they don't like Devin".

 

In real football, I expect a nearly even split between the two over the season unless one breaks out as clearly better.  It will be hot hand/team specific on who get the most carries in an individual game.

Edited September 8, 2020 by Just Joshin'

[msw2112]

I haven't heard or read a thing about Moss, although I have seen some articles mention Singletary having fumbling issues.  I don't recall ball security being a big issue for Devin last year and there haven't been any preseason games this year.  While this is strictly opinion, here's what I think will happen:  Devin, having had a very successful rookie year last season, will start.  As long as he plays well and keeps the ball off the carpet, he will continue to start.  Moss will work into the rotation and get a fair amount of playing time.  If his play is superior to Singletary's, he'll take over as the starter in a few weeks.  For now, Singletary will start based on his prior excellent play and his year of experience.  If they both play well and there's a question over who should start, that may be a good problem to have.

[thenorthremembers]

This is the type of thing that happens when there is a lull in information to write about.   A month ago Singletary was written about as a potential break out star who should be picked in the 1st round of fantasy drafts, and now he is being written about as a small, slow back with fumbling issues who is about to lose his job.

 

Both things were complete hyperbole, and both were written without any real football being played.  The reality of the situation is both Singletary and Moss will get a lot of carries here this year, and McDermott will go with the hot hand.   Its a running back by committee here, but that doesnt really help with clicks does it.   Same as last year there is no clear #1 back, whether Jerry Sullivan likes it or not.

 

 

[Patrick Duffy]

21 minutes ago, thebandit27 said:

They’re both going to play. A lot.

 

I’m sure one guy will probably take a back seat if there are ball security issues, but other than that I think you’ll see them used in different situations.

This. I think the fumbling talk is a little over blown. They both will likely get plenty of touches.

[PaattMaann]

Singletary had 4 fumbles last year, and only lost 1. Comparison, that is the same number as Alvin Kamara. I dont know about fumbles per touch, I am not savy enough to find that info.

 

Doesnt seem like a problem, but I too have seen a lot of twitter talk about him dropping the ball this year. One clip even showed McDermott run up to him after a play and try and strip the ball from him. 

[K-9]

I hope so. Like the old, but suddenly seen everywhere, saying goes: iron sharpens iron.

[Don Otreply]

4 minutes ago, Kwai San said:

If Moss is CLEARLY better then why would ANYONE be worried if he starts, plays more or whatever?  Whoever is doing better play em!

If Singletary is Clearly better why would anyone be worried if he starts, plays more or whatever... 😁

 

The reality is that at the start of the season, Singletary will be the presumptive starter/ veteran RB, Moss will be the rookie that they work into the offense. As the season progresses reps will be shared more depending on down, distance, opponent and individual performance, That’s how it actually works, especially with the conservative coaching staff that the Bills have.  Variations on this general theme certainly are likely. If Singletary continues to perform as expected, and Moss develops as hoped, we will have a very good backfield.. 
 

Go Bills!!!

 

 

[Straight Hucklebuck]

Singletary was productive when the coaches stopped giving the ball to Gore, so I hope they don't forget him this year. 

[416BillsFan]

Moss should be pushing to take over for the starter. No idea if he's better than DS, but I'd be more worried if Moss was happy to play second fiddle.

[Rocky Landing]

Just a thought: Maybe we should wait for Moss to play a game before crowning him the next coming of Barry Sanders?

[Logic]

I believe Singletary will be the "starter" and get the lion's share of carries through about week 6. After that, it's anyone's guess.

For what it's worth, all reports thus far seem to indicate that Moss has been doing a better job in pass protection and with ball security. If he continues to be superior to Singletary in those two areas, look for him to take the "Starter" mantle away by midseason.

[mjt328]

Historically, this coaching staff prefers easing rookies into action.

I would be very surprised if Devin Singletary isn't the starter Week 1, and doesn't get the bulk of carries during the first month.  In fact, I wouldn't be shocked if Zack Moss starts the season as the #3 back and plays behind TJ Yeldon.

 

Ultimately, I believe the goal is for Singletary and Moss to become an equal 1-2 punch.  Usage will depend on opponent and gameplan.  Moss probably takes on more of the role Frank Gore had last season.  Short yardage and goal line carries.  Pounding the ball when trying to run out the clock.  

 

With that said, if Singletary starts showing a fumbling problem...  it won't be long before he starts losing significant carries.  I've been watching this sport for decades, and coaches do not put up with fumbling.