The Buffalo Bills lost for the second consecutive game Thursday night, dropping a 22-9 decision to the Miami Dolphins. Bills quarterback Kyle Orton struggled mightily, completing 22-of-39 passes for 193 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. Still, Buffalo head coach Doug Marrone says he had not thought of putting backup quarterback and 2013 first-round pick EJ Manuel in the game, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com.
Doug Marrone not ready to switch back to EJ Manuel
Despite Orton’s struggles, Marrone says he hasn’t considered putting Manuel in the starting role again.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
When Manuel was starting, the Bills went 2-2 before he was benched in favor of the veteran Orton. However, Orton has not done any better, going 3-3 and generally having all sorts of issues in the red zone. Last week against the Chiefs, Buffalo reached the red zone four times and scored just six points.
Manuel, drafted last year to become the franchise quarterback, has only started 14 games in his career. Before Marrone made the switch this season, Manuel was completing 58.0 percent of his throws with five touchdowns and three interceptions. Still, Marrone said playing Manuel is not on his radar.
“No, right now, that hasn’t crossed my mind,” Marrone said.
Over at Buffalo Rumblings, a poll went up on Friday morning to ask fans who should be the starting quarterback. Two-thirds have sided with Manuel, seeing the obvious fact that Orton is nothing more than a stop-gap. Manuel might not be the answer, but Buffalo will only find out by giving him more leash. Considering the AFC has a whopping 10 teams over .500, including two ahead of the Bills in the AFC East, Buffalo might be wise to play the youngster.
★★★
See More:
