Bills name Taylor starting quarterback

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills are turning their offense over to Tyrod Taylor, who has won the starting job after a three-way quarterback competition during the offseason.

Coach Rex Ryan announced his decision following practice on Monday.

“It came down to the explosiveness Tyrod gives us,” Ryan said.

Taylor won the job over former Bills starter and 2013 first-round draft pick EJ Manuel, and Matt Cassel, a 10-year journeyman who was acquired in an offseason trade with Minnesota.

The decision comes two days after all three quarterbacks played with the starting offense in a 43-19 preseason win over Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Following the game, Ryan said he intended to spend Sunday meeting with his staff, front-office personnel and owners Terry and Kim Pegula to determine his starter.

Taylor signed a three-year contact with Buffalo in free agency this offseason after spending his first four years as Joe Flacco’s backup in Baltimore. The Ravens’ sixth-round pick out of Virginia Tech in 2011 saw very limited playing time in getting mostly mop-up duty.

Overall, he’s completed 19 of 35 attempts for 199 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in 14 career appearances, all as a backup. Taylor also has 27 rushes for 136 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback has been a question mark in Buffalo since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired following the 1996 season. In that time, the Bills have had eight different season-opening starters, and 12 quarterbacks start at least five games.

Ryan said he expects to keep three quarterbacks but did not say which two passers he would keep behind Taylor.

Fourth-stringer Matt Simms is expected to start and play most if not all of Buffalo’s preseason finale at Detroit on Thursday night. The Bills then prepare to open the season at home against Indianapolis on Sept. 13.

Ryan, who took over after Doug Marrone stepped down on Dec. 31, prompted the Bills’ interest in signing Taylor. Ryan said he expressed interest in acquiring Taylor during his time coaching the Jets.

Taylor is a strong-armed and mobile quarterback whose ability to take off and run provides the Bills offense an added dimension as a rushing threat. That was evident on Saturday, when Taylor dropped back to pass, before seeing a gaping hole develop to his right. Taylor took off and outraced linebacker Sean Spence 20 yards to the goal line for a TD.

In 11 preseason series, Taylor went 24 of 31 for 236 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. But he had a hand in four touchdown drives, all scored on rushes.

He quickly developed into the popular quarterback choice among Bills fans, who began referring to Taylor as “T-Mobile,” a nickname the player first earned in college.

Cassel had an efficient but not spectacular preseason. He showed a capability of making smart and quick passes, and finished 13 of 15 for 83 yards and no touchdowns in four preseason series.

Manuel was stuck working with the second- and third-stringers as recently as three weeks ago before making his case to re-enter the starting conversation. He rallied the Bills to a late game-winning touchdown in an 11-10 win at Cleveland on Aug. 20, and then had a hand in three touchdown drives in four-plus series against Pittsburgh last weekend.

Manuel led all Bills quarterbacks by going 20 of 30 for 358 yards passing with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He went 2-2 to open last season before losing the starting job to Kyle Orton.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.