Tyrod Taylor is the unknown name in the Buffalo Bills’ starting quarterback competition. He wasn’t given much of a chance to beat out E.J. Manuel and Matt Cassel earlier on in the offseason, and now he is busting out onto the scene and proving that there is a chance he has that kind of potential. He is scheduled to start the Bills’ second preseason game, and will be given every chance to prove that he can start.
Rex Ryan is not opposed to starting Taylor if he truly does beat out the other two candidates. That brings up the question of whether or not Taylor would be able to lead the Bills back to the NFL playoffs if he does win the starting job.
During Taylor’s first four seasons in the NFL, he has seen very limited playing time. He has completed 19 of his 35 passing attempts, and has thrown for 199 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.
At 26 years old, Taylor is just now entering into the prime of his career. He has had quite a bit of time to sit on the bench and learn the game from the sidelines, which could be exactly what he needed. Taylor now is being given the chance to compete for a starting job in an offense that fits his skill-set perfectly.
It appears that Buffalo is going to be running the football quite a bit, and that their passing game will be set up by the ground game. LeSean McCoy was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles this past offseason, and is going to be the main offensive workhorse for them. Taylor would fit well in the backfield with McCoy, as he has above average speed for a quarterback and could give Ryan and the Bills’ offense consistent production with his legs in addition to his arm.
All that the Bills need from their aerial attack is a big play here and there, but mostly a game manager that can consistently move the football down-the-field without turning the ball over.
Buffalo is also expected to have one of the top defenses in the league this year. That will make things even easier for whoever ends up winning the starting quarterback job. Cassel is definitely in the mix still, but Manuel has been falling away from the field throughout the first couple weeks of camp and preseason action.
Can he lead them to the playoffs? There is no question that with the talent the team has built around him, Taylor could do enough to get them into the AFC playoff picture. Buffalo doesn’t need a star quarterback, they simply need a player like Taylor who can make plays with his legs and arm, while also possessing maturity and knowing how to take care of the football.
That being said, it will be interesting to see how the quarterback competition plays out the rest of the way. Ryan may not pick his man until just before Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. No matter what ends up happening, Taylor is in the best position to succeed that he has ever been in.
