Starting EJ Manuel not a bad idea for Billls’ third preseason game

A lot of people are confused by the fact the Buffalo Bills appear to be starting their third-string quarterback in what is supposed to be a dress rehearsal third preseason game Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But I get where Rex Ryan is coming from, because it’s fair to give former first-round pick EJ Manuel one more shot against starters.

First, Manuel has more upside than both Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor, and he’s got a 117.2 passer rating this preseason. Taylor’s been as good against starters, but it’s worth giving Manuel a shot.

It’d be one thing if the Bills were sure of their starter, but they can’t pretend they know Taylor or Cassel will hold down a starting spot. Taylor has never started a game in his four-year NFL career. Cassel is 33 and has been a backup the last two years in Minnesota. He’s got a abysmal passer rating of 78.1 during that span.

The Bills have had plenty of time to gain a read on what Taylor and Cassel bring to the table in what is an exceptionally long training camp and preseason. It’s worth finding out once and for all what Manuel can do against a quality defense before head coach Rex Ryan has to make some major decisions.

About Brad Gagnon

Brad Gagnon has been passionate about both sports and mass media since he was in diapers -- a passion that won't die until he's in them again. Based in Toronto, he's worked as a national NFL blog editor at theScore.com (covering Super Bowls XLIV, XLV and XLVI), a producer and writer at theScore Television Network and a host, reporter and play-by-play voice at Rogers TV. His work has also appeared at Deadspin, FoxSports.com, The Guardian, The Hockey News and elsewhere at Bloguin, but his day gig has him covering all things NFC East for Bleacher Report.

Quantcast