It seemed like it was only a matter of time knowing the game breaking talent that C.J. Spiller is, but following an impressive 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Week 3 at New England, Spiller was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Spiller's touchdown provided an immediate answer to a Patriots touchdown drive, which put New England up eight (24-16) in the third quarter. His return quieted the New England crowd immediately as he broke through a pack of players before tearing down the Bills sideline to the end zone.
"It was huge, especially at that time in the game," said head coach Chan Gailey. "Momentum had switched to them coming out in the second half and for him to go out there and stick that one in there. It was a big part of the game obviously."
"It felt great to get it," said Spiller. "My job is to just read my keys and use my speed and I knew I was going to have to make somebody miss and most likely would have to beat the kicker. My guys did a great job of covering them up and they did exactly what we saw on film.
"That's why I'm back there to try to get us a touchdown or get good field position and swing momentum back our way. That play kind of lifted us up a little bit."
The Bills top pick also set a franchise rookie record with 189 total kickoff return yards on five returns Sunday for a 37.8 average. Spiller also had 174 kick return yards in Week 2 at Green Bay, and is the first rookie to post back-to-back 100-yard kick return games since Leodis McKelvin did it in three straight games in 2008.
Spiller currently ranks third in the NFL and second among rookies with a 31.2 kick return average. He also ranks fourth in the NFL with 453 combined yards (rushing, receiving, kick return yards and punt return yards).
The last Bills player to win an AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award was Brian Moorman, who earned the honor in Week 7 of the 2009 season.
