Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan is sticking with his starting quarterback amid outside speculation that a change could be afoot. Taylor will make his 14th start Sunday against Cleveland.
Buffalo Bills Insider Chris Brown provides the details. Here is his report:
There was no hesitation when he was asked at his Monday afternoon press conference who his starting quarterback would be Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
“Tyrod Taylor,” said Bills head coach Rex Ryan flatly. “The reason he’s our starting quarterback is because in my opinion he gives us the best opportunity to win and that’s what we signed up for. That’s my opinion.”
Ryan confirmed that it was his decision and his alone to keep Taylor in the starting lineup this week despite the fact that the quarterback’s play has not lived up to expectations. While he admits he will take input from GM Doug Whaley and owners Terry and Kim Pegula, he did not get input from ownership on his starting quarterback decision.
Buffalo’s depth chart will remain unchanged as EJ Manuel will serve as the backup this week as he has all season. That likely leaves rookie Cardale Jones inactive for a 14th straight game. Ryan said he had no thought of Manuel playing and said barring injury, Jones won’t be playing this week either.
“After I saw the tape he’s not perfect by any stretch,” said Ryan of Taylor’s play in the loss to Pittsburgh. “We wish we had a couple of throws and opportunities back there’s no doubt. But I think Tyrod gives us the best shot and I have all season and nothing has changed that.”
In a game where Buffalo’s number one ranked rushing attack was stymied by Pittsburgh’s run blitz scheme, Taylor managed just 71 yards on 7-for-14 passing through the first three quarters of the game. He put together a couple of scoring drives late in the game, but the Steelers appeared to have firm control of the contest throughout.
Buffalo’s players have also come to the defense of Taylor amid speculation that a change in the lineup could be afoot.
“We can’t blame things on a particular person or play call. We’ve got to stay within this group and keep fighting. Right now I’m rolling with Ty. That’s our guy,” said Sammy Watkins. “There can be speculation and people talking crazy. That position is one of the hardest positions. I can sit there and say it’s this coverage or that coverage, but he’s got bullets flying (at him). So we can’t sit there and point the finger at anybody. He’s our guy.”