The Buffalo Bills have named Tyrod Taylor their starting quarterback for the 2015 season, head coach Rex Ryan announced Monday. Taylor will start the first regular season game of his career when the Bills open their season against the Indianapolis Colts Sept. 13. The 26-year-old quarterback beat out veteran Matt Cassel and 2013 first-round pick EJ Manuel for the job.
Tyrod Taylor named Bills starting quarterback for 2015
Taylor may have been the darkhorse candidate heading into the preseason, but he reportedly beat out EJ Manuel and Matt Cassel for the job.
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
“I’m 100 percent confident and we as an organization are 100 percent confident in the decision,” Ryan said Monday.
Ryan said Saturday he would "probably" name a starter by the end of the weekend, and all three Buffalo quarterbacks put in a strong audition in the club's 43-19 win over the Steelers. Manuel shined in particular, as he completed 7 of 8 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Taylor, 26, went 12-of-13 for 122 yards in the contest. He has completed 24 of 31 passes for 236 yards and rushed for 108 yards this preseason.
Though Cassel and Manuel have both played well this summer, it seems as if Ryan likes the mobility Taylor brings to the table. The 2011 sixth-round pick is the least experienced of the three QBs: He’s never started a game in the NFL prior to this season and Taylor has only attempted 35 passes in his four-year career.
The Ravens used Taylor sparingly out of the backfield in 2013 in certain packages, deploying him for eight rushes in three contests. He only appeared in two games last season.
At Virginia Tech, Taylor set a team record for touchdown passes in his senior campaign. He led the Hokies to an undefeated record in ACC play, and also to their fourth ACC title in seven years.
The Bills are hoping Taylor brings some stability to the quarterback position, as the team has deployed seven different starters over the last eight years. Buffalo hasn’t made the playoffs since 1999.
See More:
