When the Buffalo Bills traded for quarterback Matt Cassel this winter, most people tabbed the 10-year veteran as the frontrunner to be No. 1 QB for Rex Ryan's team in 2015. EJ Manuel -- who struggled last season as the backup behind the recently retired Kyle Orton -- has other thoughts, telling the John Murphy Show on Buffalo Bills Radio that he's "licking my chops" to compete for a starting role under new offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
EJ Manuel can’t wait to compete for Bills’ starting job
The third-year quarterback says he’s ready to earn the starting job in Buffalo this season.
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Admitting that last season was one of the most difficult periods of his football career, Manuel said he tried to turn the situation into a positive experience and learn as much as possible from Orton. Manuel noted that the biggest thing he internalized from the veteran signal-caller was “to weather the storm” and not get too frustrated when a play breaks down or the team is trailing in a game.
He also admitted that he needs to become more consistent and gain a better understanding of the offense if he’s going to take the next step as NFL quarterback. Manuel worked with former NFL quarterback Steve DeBerg this offseason to help him improve his accuracy and poise in the pocket.
“When I went into the offseason this year, I really just wanted to focus on the accuracy and just be on-point,” Manuel said during the radio interview. “I wanted to come into camp with confidence knowing that if there’s a ball in my hand, wherever I want to put this ball on the field, I can do it.”
Manuel completed 58 percent of his passes for 838 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions in four games last season. His Total QBR of 19.8 ranked last among 42 quarterbacks with at least 100 pass attempts and his passer rating of 80.3 was 34th among that group in 2014.
Although it hasn't been formally announced, there appears to be an open quarterback competition in Buffalo. Roman told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio this week that all four quarterbacks on the roster will get first-team reps during spring camp. Ryan also told reporters that "this is an opportunity for EJ," and he applauded his strong work ethic.
Wide receiver Sammy Watkins showed his support for his teammate on Wednesday:
Sammy on EJ, "That's my guy. I believe in him 100% & I told him that whether he's the starter or not. He's a totally different guy." #Bills
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) April 15, 2015 The wideout also gave an update on his health after undergoing hip surgery this offseason. Watkins said that he “is feeling good” and is encouraged by the progress in his rehab. He has been able to partially participate in the team’s voluntary workouts, but Ryan noted that he probably won’t be fully ready for football activities until training camp this summer.
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