The starting QB job could be McCarron’s to lose, presently.
By Nick Wojton / billswire.usatoday.com
When it comes to the Buffalo Bills’ quarterback situation, all eyes are on Josh Allen. However, according to coach Sean McDermott, A.J. McCarron’s intangibles may give him a leg up in the competition.
Prior to Buffalo’s organized team activities on Thursday, the head coach discussed the quarterback room at length, expressing that the coaching staff has a “plan” for Allen.
While plenty of time separates the Bills from Week 1, it sounds like the starting quarterback job could be McCarron’s to lose at the present time.
“To this point, Nate (Peterman) and A.J. have split the ones and Josh and been with the threes,” McDermott said.
While competing with Peterman, it was McCarron who drew praise from McDermott for the skills he shows off the field.
“(McCarron’s) done a good job. He really has. With respect to — he’s very passionate about the game, he’s very passionate about his approach, day in and day out, in terms of habits on and off the field. The great part as I’ve gotten to know A.J. is, you watch him, and he’s one heck of a teammate.
“To me, that’s a great compliment as a player, as a quarterback. He has a nice rapport with both Nate and Josh in the meetings room as well which is important for that dynamic. He’s seen quite a bit of football and he’s been able to share that with those two who are a little bit younger, in this case. That’s been a good thing to watch to this point,” McDermott said.
Barring any additions, McCarron will head into the 2018 season as Buffalo’s most experienced quarterback. However, McCarron’s more experienced at the college level, leading the Alabama Crimson Tide to back-to-back National Championships in 2012 and 2013. The fifth-year player started his professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals, only starting four games throughout his four years with the team. All four took place in 2015 and one was a postseason loss.
It’s not exactly an impressive resumé, but it trumps the amount of experience Peterman or Allen have at the NFL level. That, combined with a desire to not rush Allen into action, could lead to McCarron being named the team’s opening day starter in 2018.