The Buffalo Bills made waves this week when they decided to bench quarterback Tyrod Taylor in favor of rookie fifth-round draft pick Nathan Peterman after the team’s disastrous 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
This move has elicited a lot of strong reactions, and for obvious reasons: very rarely will you see a team with a winning record (5-4) and currently holding down a playoff spot bench their starting quarterback. While Taylor was awful in the loss (9-of-18 for 56 yards and an interception), the defense certainly didn’t do him or the rest of the offense any favors.
What’s been interesting is how different people have viewed the move. By and large, it’s been the local media that have been most supportive while the majority of the criticism has come from folks in the national media.
Those in favor of the move to Peterman see it as something that was a long time coming, confirmation that Taylor never proved he was capable of being a franchise QB. On the other hand, there are those who question the logic of benching a player who has done as well as Taylor with such a limited support system.
My biggest gripe is with the timing. Even after two straight bad losses, the Bills are in a good position to make the playoffs in a terrible AFC. And while I understand the move to Peterman is about gauging what you have at the position down the road, management has been adamant about the importance of winning now. If that’s the case, then they must honestly believe Peterman will make them better this Sunday, and I’m not sure that I buy that.
As a fan, I’ll be rooting for Peterman. If he’s successful and the Bills make the playoffs, the biggest offseason question facing the team will be where they end up putting Sean McDermott’s statue at New Era Field.
But the track record for fifth-round quarterbacks is not good. If Peterman’s not the guy, then it puts even more pressure on the team to find their answer in next year’s draft.
Honestly, though, my strongest feelings on the matter center on Taylor. Has he not earned the chance to at least see this season through to the end? I for one will be rooting hard for him regardless of where he winds up next season — hopefully on a team that actually appreciates him. He may not be Tom Brady, but he’s a lot better than some of the bums the Bills have trotted out in years past.
It’s now on McDermott and company to show that they know what they’re doing, both for this year and down the road.
As I step down from my soap box, let’s run through this week’s games:
Detroit at Chicago
The Bears probably aren’t making the playoffs, but they could give the Lions a scare at home. Matthew Stafford pulls out a close one.
Nick’s pick: LIONS
Jacksonville at Cleveland
Probably the most lopsided matchup of the week, especially when Cleveland’s offense goes up against the Jags’ ‘D’. Jacksonville should roll.
Nick’s pick: JAGUARS
Baltimore at Green Bay
Two decidedly average teams, especially with no Aaron Rodgers. The Ravens tend to hang around, and I think they steal one on the road.
Nick’s pick: RAVENS
Tampa Bay at Miami
This was supposed to be each team’s season-opener. Fair to say both squads would like a do over. At home, the Dolphins win a matchup between two extremely frustrating teams.
Nick’s pick: DOLPHINS
L.A. Rams at Minnesota
A fantastic matchup (who would’ve thought?). For as good as the Rams’ offense has been, they quietly also possess one of the league’s best defenses.
Nick’s pick: RAMS
Washington at New Orleans
Safe to say that the Saints are for real. The Redskins are no joke despite being 4-5, but I’m not going to be the one to pick against New Orleans right now.
Nick’s pick: SAINTS
Kansas City at N.Y. Giants
The Chiefs have struggled a bit since their hot start, mainly due to issues on defense. But against the woeful Giants, that shouldn’t matter too much.
Nick’s pick: CHIEFS
Arizona at Houston
Both teams missing their starting quarterbacks takes away a lot of the interest in this one. Houston’s defense is still good enough to pull out a win against a mediocre squad.
Nick’s pick: TEXANS
Buffalo at L.A. Chargers
All eyes will be on Nathan Peterman in his NFL debut. He’ll have his work cut out for him against the Chargers’ dangerous pass rush. Los Angeles is playing for its playoff life, and that desperation will be enough to win a close, possibly sloppy game.
Nick’s pick: CHARGERS
Cincinnati at Denver
Don’t expect a ton of offense in this one. Denver’s defense isn’t as strong as in years past, but they still have more talent than most.
Nick’s pick: BRONCOS
New England at Oakland
There’s the potential for a lot of scoring here, something that usually favors the Patriots. The defense is playing better, and it will need to on the road in the Black Hole.
Nick’s pick: PATRIOTS
Philadelphia at Dallas
The Eagles are flying high coming off of their bye week, while the Cowboys desperately need a win after a tough loss to Atlanta. Philly looks like the class of the league right now.
Nick’s pick: EAGLES
Atlanta at Seattle
What looked like an NFC title game preview before the season now features two teams trying to figure out their identities. Seattle usually plays well at home in prime time, and they will again.
Nick’s pick: SEAHAWKS
Last week: 10-3
Overall: 80-42
