The Buffalo Bills’ ownership has been hush-hush on whether quarterback Tyrod Taylor will get another chance to take the quarterback reins this season. His $30 million option is something that has been causing some issues. Is the quarterback worth the money? Should the franchise move on from him? The Buffalo News has stated that Sean McDermott and other coaches are pulling for Taylor, while General Manager Doug Whaley is not as high on the quarterback. Here is what makes the Taylor decision so difficult.
Tyrod Taylor falls in the middle
Buffalo Bills Tyrod Taylor had an average season last year.
Close to a 62% completing rate and 17 touchdowns, Taylor also could have fared much worse. His 3,000 plus yards of passing is acceptable. While Taylor did not light up New Era Field with 4th quarter rallies and consistent 300-yard passing games, his legs give him that extra edge that Buffalo has used to win games.
Highest rushing quarterback in the league
Rusher LeSean McCoy likes to call Taylor a running back who can throw the ball. Apart from sprinter Marquise Goodwin, Taylor is probably the fastest guy on the Bills. His 600 yards of rushing last year is what makes him a threat. Teams have a hard time chasing him down, which makes it easier for the leader to steal some touchdowns off defenses.
Tyrod’s quick feet have won some games for Buffalo. This makes people lean in his favor.
Lack of 4th quarter rallies
Only managing one comeback in two seasons, Taylor has come close to bringing the Bills back from a deficit. Buffalo almost beat Seattle in the final two minutes of Monday Night play. A 34-31 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins is a game where Taylor put up his best numbers as a Buffalo Bill.
Not manufacturing rallied is factoring into the indecision on Taylor. A couple of rallies probably would have given the quarterback his $30 million.
High scoring offense
Despite only being 7-9, the Bills ranked in the top ten for average points scored with 24.9. That is a good season ending statistic. The combination of McCoy, Mike Gillislee, and Taylor helped immensely in the running game.
The unexpected improvement in Buffalo’s offense is what makes the decision on Taylor even tougher.
Missing open receivers
Taylor’s reticence to get the ball to open guys has been frustrating. Many times, tight end Charles Clay has been wide open, and Taylor has opted to run the ball or check it down. Not seeing the entire field and going through all his reads is a big factor for giving Taylor the boot. This could improve. However, it is a major weakness right now.
What’s out there
The truth is that available quarterbacks in the league do not set anybody on fire. Tony Romo is injury prone and 37 years old. Brian Hoyer or Mike Glennon are not better than Taylor. That leaves Jay Cutler, whose drive and desire to play are dismal.
One can hope that Buffalo can get a quarterback in the draft, but there are no guarantees that DeShaun Watson won’t go off the board early. Draft pick Cardale Jones is still green. That makes keeping Tyrod Taylor the best option right now.
The Bills have until March 11th to decide on Taylor.
