EJ Manuel seems to be having no problem adjusting to the NFL style of play. The former Florida State quarterback was drafted in the first round to be the potential future of the franchise. While he is sitting behind Kevin Kolb on the depth chart, he is preparing like he is the top guy on the team. During an interview with Sirius XM, the rookie said the Bills offense has been easier to pick than the one at Florida State.
"The funny thing is it's easier to learn than the offense I had at Florida State. It's a true West Coast-type progression offense. That's really what I wanted when I was coming through the pre-draft process. I wanted something I could just go in and say 1,2,3,4,5, check it down and run it," Manuel said.
The only time Manuel has really spent with the Bills' offense is during rookie minicamp where he spent extensive time with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. The rookie is hoping to ease the learning curve in order to be more competitive in the unspoken quarterback competition going on within the team.
Manuel was the only quarterback taken in the first round of the draft and it was to a team that made a big move to grab a quarterback in the offseason. Kolb was brought in after spending time in Arizona with the hopes of finally bringing the Bills some success. However, head coach Doug Marrone announced that Manuel and Kolb would spend time competing against one another during training camp. Backup Tarvaris Jackson will also be returning, but is unlikely to compete as a starter.
Manuel also noted that he is getting quickly acquainted with the Bills other rookie offensive targets including wide receiver Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin and tight end Chris Gragg. Manuel roomed with Gragg during rookie minicamp and are both prepared to bring a winning attitude to the Bills.
"I think the biggest thing is we all come from winning programs. We're used to winning, we're used to preparing to win," Manuel said.
The Bills have not finished with a winning record since 2004. They have also not made the playoffs in 13 years, the longest drought in NFL history. A winning attitude brought in by the rookie class could be just what the team needs.