EJ Manuel's fall from grace just got a lot steeper. After being drafted in the first round two years ago, the quarterback has yet to make the leap into being a franchise quarterback and now other players are passing him by. While the Bills tried to remain faithful in the former FSU star, the new coaching staff is headed in a different direction as Tyrod Taylor takes the field.
According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the Bills have named Taylor the starting quarterback after he finished the preseason completing 77.4 percent of his passes. The fifth-year player is known as a versatile quarterback, capable of playing a big role in the ground game as well after having 108 yards and a touchdown in the preseason. Taylor came to Buffalo after playing backup to Joe Flacco in Baltimore and head coach Rex Ryan believes he is the better option moving forward.
Following the news that Taylor would be the starting quarterback, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that either EJ Manuel or Matt Cassel would be released following the decision. Manuel has some momentum after throwing for 170 yards and two touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Rapoport believes the Bill might be ready to move on from the former first-round pick instead.
Taylor has a solid offense to work with. Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods and Percy Harvin remain his top wide receivers while Charles Clay works across the middle. The question could be what Taylor does to the rushing attack. The quarterback will be used as a mobile player meaning he will take off running more times than not. LeSean McCoy is the leading rusher for the team, but as he struggles with injuries, having Taylor's legs will help. It will also mean less carries for McCoy so take note fantasy owners.
The Bills continue to iron out the details of their offense. The team released long-time rusher Fred Jackson. That now leaves them with Karlos Williams, Bryce Brown and Boobie Dixon as their best options moving forward. Injuries have been an issue in the rushing attack which could be why Taylor had a leg up on the quarterback job. Whether Taylor is the long-term option for Buffalo or not is to be determined, but the Bills will give him every chance to earn it.
