The Buffalo Bills might not have given up hope when it comes to E.J. Manuel. While some are clamoring to shorten the NFL preseason, Manuel is mighty thankful it exists, because he will get the starting nod this weekend vs. the Steelers in one last chance to prove he's starting material.
Bills coach Rex Ryan has said repeatedly that Manuel, Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor will all compete for the starting gig. With Manuel starting Week 3, Ryan will have given each quarterback a chance with the first team. In Week 2, Taylor got the start, but Manuel led a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. That drive earned him this opportunity, per the Associated Press.
Cassel, Taylor Have Reportedly Passed Manuel Completely
The opportunity is a big one for Manuel, who had fallen behind Cassel and Taylor according to most reports. Manuel has the strongest pedigree of the three; he was a 2013 first round pick, while Cassel is a journeyman, and Taylor is a 2011 sixth-rounder with no starting experience, and 35 pass attempts on his resume.
Taylor had appeared to take the lead because of his rushing ability. His nickname is "T-Mobile," according to Pro-FootballReference.com, and the Bills coaches have been impressed with his speed since OTAs. Both Ryan and quarterbacks coach David Lee spoke about his potential before training camp opened.
Grading The Fantasy Prospects Of Manuel, Cassel, And Taylor
"He is an unknown, never played a whole lot in Baltimore," Ryan said. "I think the ability is hard to ignore, some of the things that he has."
Lee said of Taylor, "He's got that uncommon speed, man, at our position. So this guy is exciting to all of us because he has that dimension of, 'Hey, I can beat you with my legs and not just my arm.'"
This preseason it's been Manuel who has stood out. Manuel has thrown two touchdown passes and piled up 188 yards through the air, both team-highs. Cassel has taken the fewest preseason reps-likely because he's the most known commodity-but neither Cassel nor Taylor have thrown a touchdown pass yet.
Taylor has actually led the Bills in rushing, with 88 yards on 10 attempts.
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