Running back Fred Jackson is in some pretty exclusive company, statistically speaking, through the Buffalo Bills' first seven games.
Jackson's total of 1,074 scrimmage yards is the second most in franchise history over that time period, trailing only O.J. Simpson, who had 1,106 in 1975. Only Simpson, who also had 1,073 in 1973, and Thurman Thomas, who had 1,032 in 1991, have topped 1,000 yards in seven games.
"That's great company to be in. As football players, nobody did it better than those guys on this team," Jackson said.
"That's a great breath to be mentioned in, two guys of that caliber. Hopefully I can continue to perform at a high level."
In two of the previous three seasons when a Bills running back has cracked 1,000 yards in seven games, they went on to be the league's MVP: Simpson in '73 and Thomas in '91.
Jackson's 1,074 scrimmage yards are just 17 behind the league-leading 1,091 compiled by Bears running back Matt Forte.
"I think it's all been said before. He catches, he runs, he protects. He's doing an amazing job for our football team right now," Bills coach Chan Gailey said. "We wouldn't be where we are without him, I know that."
Gailey said he's never coached a player before playing as well as Jackson has for such an extended period of time.
"Not doing everything that he is doing, no. I've never had one," the coach said.
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