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Tyrod Taylor All But Sews Up Buffalo Bills Job

By Erik Lambert

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Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Rex Ryan said from the beginning he had no fear of giving former backup Tyrod Taylor a legitimate chance at starting for the Buffalo Bills, even with former Pro Bowler Matt Cassel and ex-1st round pick E.J. Manuel on the roster.  He followed through on that promise by giving the 26-year old a chance to start in week 2 of the preseason against Cleveland.

Nobody was expected fireworks.  What the Bills wanted to see was whether Taylor could run the offense efficiently, make a play or too and don’t do anything stupid with the football.  That is exactly what happened.

Buffalo didn’t score many points, but Taylor was 7-of-10 passing for 65 yards and also ran four times for another 41.

What must also be noted is that Taylor did all that against a defense that isn’t exactly a slouch.  The Browns ranked 8th against the pass last season and 9th in points allowed.  They’re a talented and diverse unit that should be improved thanks to another strong draft.

Then there is the additional fact that Taylor didn’t have any of his best offensive weapons including his top three receivers Sammy Watkins, Percy Harvin, and Robert Woods along with star running back LeSean McCoy.  Those are the four best offensive weapons the Bills have and it didn’t stop Taylor from moving the football.

Imagine what he might be able to do once they’re back healthy.

The Buffalo Bills brass certainly are.  Their willingness to give Tyrod his shot and the faith in his ability is paying dividends.  While there will likely be bumps along the way, this kid has done everything asked of him and a little more.  That quarterback battle is over.  Barring an injury that starting job is his.

With all due respect to Manuel, who did lead the drive that won the game for the Bills, he hasn’t shown any signs of progress to indicate he’s ready to take the next step.  He’s still talented and can move, but he looks jumpy in the pocket and just seems to lack a certain poise required for the position.  For Rex Ryan, it’s a repeat of Geno Smith.

Nobody is saying Taylor is the next Donovan McNabb or anything, but it was a quarterback battle since the start of training camp and according to the rules, it’s the person who performs best that wins the competition.  That is what he has done.  It should be enough to had him the keys to what should be a really good team this year.

Next: 2016 NFL Draft: Connor Cook Leads QBs to Watch

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