Entering the 2015 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills had arguably the most dismal outlook at quarterback. That won’t be the case in 2016.
Sal Capaccio of WGR notes head coach Rex Ryan asserted Tyrod Taylor will be the starter next season.
"I think going into next season we're pretty sure who our QB is" – Rex on Taylor
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) December 21, 2015
Who will coach Taylor is a different story. Ryan underperformed at a job yet again but will likely keep his job, which can’t be said for Buffalo’s assistants — most notably offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Bills general manager Doug Whaley would like to remove.
Few things are certain in Buffalo after a disappointing finish to a once-promising season, but Taylor has absolutely earned the starting job.
The 26-year-old quarterback has appeared in 12 games this year, completing 63.2 percent of his passes for 2,674 yards, 20 touchdowns while tossing just five interceptions. He’s added 450 rushing yards and three scores.
Perhaps the best part of Taylor’s success is that he bet on himself, turning down a larger contract from the Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos in favor of a better opportunity to start in Buffalo.
Taylor signed a two-year deal with the Bills, so it’s a bit premature to declare him the long-term quarterback.
However, another season like this and Taylor will have secured a place as an NFL starter and be in position to demand a significant raise.