The Buffalo Bills entered tonight’s preseason matchup hoping to get a better feel for who they should start at the quarterback position. Tyrod Taylor, Matt Cassel and E.J. Manuel are the three candidates, and there was one player in particular that stepped up and proved that he should be the Bills’ starter when Week 1 rolls around.
Taylor was without question the best quarterback on the night, although Manuel came in later in the game and took advantage of playing against the Browns’ second string.
During the game, Taylor ended up throwing for 65 yards on seven of 10 passes, and also rushed for 41 yards on four carries. Buffalo could use the type of quickness and athleticism that Taylor brings to the quarterback position, and he certainly could be a dangerous threat with his legs. Rex Ryan is expected to have a run heavy offense, and Taylor fits into that system perfectly.
At 26 years old, there is no question that Taylor is entering into the prime of his career at the right time. He has learned the game slowly from the sideline, which could end up being a big help to him if he wins the starting job.
Throughout his first four seasons in the NFL, Taylor has passed for just 199 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He also recorded 136 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. Those numbers aren’t a big enough sample size to draw a conclusion on his potential, but he certainly possesses the type of skill-set to become something dangerous moving forward.
While Cassel and Manuel are still in the competition with the preseason halfway through, there is no question that Taylor is the front-runner right now.
LeSean McCoy was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this offseason, and would form a deadly duo with Taylor in the backfield. Having a quarterback that can make plays with his legs and be elusive like a running back would force opposing defenses into a very difficult situation.
That being said, he has to continue playing top-notch football throughout the remainder of the preseason. If he does that, there is absolutely nothing holding him back from being the starter. It will be interesting to see how Ryan decides to handle things, and who does end up being the starter when the decision is finally made.
Rumors have been swirling that Ryan may not make up his mind about the starting job until the day the Bills take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. If that is the case, we are in for an excellent ride moving forward in preseason action.
