Archives for August 30, 2015

'I don’t know. I know all the guys, every quarterback on our team has been playing well. It is a decision the coaches got to make. Like I said I’m comfortable and confident in the way that I have been playing. But all I can do is focus on what I do out there on the field. And that is more so my mindset going into a game is just execution and moving the offense up and down the field.'

'His NFL career summary: One play.'

'And though Taylor looked good and Cassel was his pedestrian self — both had solid numbers — Manuel was beyond lights out.'

'Good problem No. 1: Manuel, once thought to be out of the competition, started and completed his first two passes, the second a 67-yard scoring strike to tight end Charles Clay. Surprisingly, he was re-inserted in the third quarter and connected with wide receiver Tobias Palmer for a 37-yard touchdown. He finished 7 of 8 for 170 yards and had a perfect passer rating of 158.3.'

'This was beyond a baptism by fire. One major potential hole in this Buffalo Bills defense was exposed in a 43-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pick your play. Darby was toasted on a 63-yard completion to Martavis Bryant. He was flagged for two pass interference penalties – one that cost 35 yards and one in the end zone. He was even beat for 16 yards by a player named Shakim Phillips.'

'Based on his performance the last two preseason games, Tyrod Taylor deserves to be the starter. If this truly were an open competition, as Ryan insisted, Taylor did more than the other contenders to warrant the No. 1 job.'

'“I still have a lot to prove and that’s how I approach the game,” Jackson said. “Just continue to prove yourself and today was a good step in the right direction.”'

'EJ Manuel: He started and promptly showed off that big arm of his on his second pass attempt of the night, connecting with Charles Clay for a 67-yard touchdown. Then, he returned to the game in the third quarter and found Tobias Palmer for a 37-yard score. Finished the night 7-for-8 for 170 yards and a perfect passer rating of 158.3. Looked as comfortable and as confident as he has at any time since joining the Bills in 2013.'

'Whereas Matt Cassel mostly dinked and dunked underneath in completing 6 of 7 passes for 38 yards, Taylor brought the excitement again. He went 12 of 13 for 122 yards — pump-faking, calmly looking off defenders, showing sharp accuracy — and also sprinted ahead on a 20-yard touchdown run.'

'"I talked about the problem I always wanted, and I think I got it," Ryan said. "But to me it's not a problem. All three guys had a tremendous preseason, and that's all you can ask. I feel really good about how they did."'

'While it was a preseason game and one against a terrible defense, Jackson reminded anyone who had forgotten that he is in fact ready to contribute when called upon.'

'"He's got his confidence back," Bradham said with a smile. "He's got his confidence and you can see it. Obviously you can tell he's not going to make it an easy decision. That's the main thing, he's out there competing and just playing football. He's showing his talent and what he's capable of."'

'Tyrod Taylor was the last of the Bills' three quarterbacks to take the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their third preseason game Saturday, but he made the strongest impression.'

''Taylor's mobility wasn't a secret. What has been the biggest surprise is his throwing ability. He has proven to be an effective passer and his legs help him make plays with his arm. Yes, it's the preseason. But he led the Bills on two touchdown drives and made a throw to set up a field goal at the end of the first half.'

'And yet the picture is even more muddled, four weeks later, after each of the trio played about as well as anyone could have expected of any quarterback in a trio of preseason games.'