Much of the NFL world reacted with surprise when the Buffalo Bills benched quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and it turns out we’re not alone.
In a video posted by the team, Bills running back LeSean McCoy said the players didn’t expect it to happen, either.
“I think everybody was kind of surprised. Nobody really knew until just today. We’ve been struggling, I think everybody has been struggling the last two weeks so we were a little surprised.”
There’s no question Buffalo’s two recent games have been a mess, but it’s unfair to push the blame entirely on Taylor.
In a 34-21 loss to the New York Jets, the offensive line constantly allowed pressure. Taylor rarely had time to throw and took seven sacks, and the running game trudged to just 63 total yards.
Additionally, both Jordan Matthews and Nick O’Leary fumbled inside the New York 35-yard line. If those turnovers don’t happen, the Bills might’ve stayed competitive into the fourth quarter instead of trying to assemble what was an ill-fated comeback.
There really aren’t excuses for a 47-10 smackdown by the New Orleans Saints, since the offense was ineffective in the first half before the defense collapsed after the break. Taylor managed just 56 passing yards on 18 attempts.
Rookie backup — and now starter — Nathan Peterman mustered 79 yards and a touchdown in garbage time. The Bills are turning to the Pitt product in hopes of sparking a playoff run, but a string of games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots might show Peterman isn’t ready yet.
Buffalo realistically could go back to Taylor soon. That, on the other hand, probably wouldn’t catch McCoy and his teammates by surprise.