26CornerBlitz Posted November 7, 2014 Posted November 7, 2014 (edited) Underrated players providing hidden value for teams at NFL's midpoint Whether it's young players who finally see the proverbial light go on, veterans playing over their perceived limits or potential stars making their way, every NFL season sees players who provide hidden value to their teams -- players who are crucial, even though they're not recognized on a national scale. In an effort to right that particular wrong, here are nine players impressing at the halfway mark of the 2014 NFL season. Kyle Orton, QB, Buffalo Bills The Bills had no choice but to replace EJ Manuel with Orton, as Manuel's play was hurting Buffalo's entire offense. But the extent to which Orton has improved the Bills' offense since he took the starting job is, quite frankly, startling. Only Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger have a higher quarterback rating (per Pro Football Focus) since Week 5 than Orton, and while he hasn't put up the same incendiary numbers as those future Hall-of-Famers, he's been very efficient -- throwing two picks against eight touchdowns, despite taking 15 sacks in that time period. The Bills may be looking for a new franchise quarterback in the 2015 draft, but they certainly have an excellent bridge guy in Orton. Edited November 7, 2014 by 26CornerBlitz
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