Buffalo Bills: Handicapping the starting QB race

By Robert Brewer | May 26, 2015

Heading into the 2015 season, the Buffalo Bills have quite a dilemma on their hands when it comes to the quarterback position. With Matt Cassel, E.J. Manuel, Tyrod Taylor, and even third-year man Jeff Tuel in the mix, it seems like every quarterback on Buffalo’s roster has an equal opportunity of being named the starter.

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According to NFL.com’s Connor Orr, Bills’ general manager Doug Whaley considers the starting quarterback race wide open. “The way they’re structuring practices everyone is getting a run with the ones,” Whaley said. “So it’s a fair shake. In this system that we’re trying to figure out who is going to be the number one it’s all about competition. That’s why everybody involved is excited about it.”

So who will Bills’ head coach Rex Ryan choose as his opening day quarterback? When a position battle like this is too close to call, following the politics may provide some clues as to which player holds an early lead. In Matt Cassel’s case, the politics are clearly working against him in Buffalo.

According to SportingNews.com’s Kirstie Chiappelli , Cassel and a 2015 sixth round selection was acquired from Minnesota in exchange for two late round picks. At 33 years old, the Buffalo Bills clearly don’t have much invested in the journeyman Cassel. Therefore, I would rule him out as a potential starter barring injury or a miraculous performance in the preseason.

Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) looks to pass against the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots win 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

That leaves matters up to former first round pick E.J. Manuel and free agent acquisition Tyrod Taylor. Although Manuel was the first quarterback selected in the 2013 NFL draft, neither Rex Ryan nor offensive coordinator Greg Roman was a member of the Bills’ staff at that time. Since Manuel was not hand picked by the current Buffalo Bills’ coaching staff, I think the politics will be working against Manuel as well.

As of now, Tyrod Taylor appears to be in the lead when it comes to the political battle of starting quarterback duties. Not only was Taylor signed by the current Bills’ coaching staff, but Taylor also revealed to Chris Brown of BillsFocus that he was aware of coach Ryan’s interest in him while Ryan was head coach of the New York Jets.

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Not only does Taylor possess an endorsement from his head coach, but his dual-threat capabilities bring an added dimension to Buffalo’s offense. Taylor’s special mobility will likely keep defenders honest when scheming against LeSean McCoy and Buffalo’s revamped rushing attack. In addition, Taylor’s escapability outside the pocket may also buy extra time for receivers Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods to find holes in opposing secondaries.

Politics aside, on-field performance will ultimately decide the winner of this quarterback competition. Certainly, Taylor’s position as Buffalo’s starting quarterback is far from secure. Approaching 26 years of age, Taylor has thrown only 35 NFL passes and has never started a game in the pros. Even Jeff Tuel, who has played in a grand total of two NFL games, has thrown more passes in his career (59) than Taylor.

In New York, coach Ryan’s track record with choosing starting quarterbacks was anything but stellar. From Mark Sanchez to Greg McElroy to Geno Smith, Ryan’s list of former starting quarterbacks was clearly a sight for sore eyes. In reading the tea leaves of Ryan’s newest venture in Buffalo, it appears that he may lean towards Tyrod Taylor as his starting quarterback, for now.

Next: Buffalo Bills: Tyrod Taylor will be a factor at QB

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