The Buffalo Bills are facing some big issues this season and most of them are on offense. The team drafted EJ Manuel with the idea that he would become the franchise quarterback for the team. Instead, knee issues halted his progress and forced the Bills to bring on other options. This season, with four quarterbacks on the roster vying for the starting job, Buffalo's offense is in the same place as before leaving several other players in limbo.
According to general manager Doug Whaley via WGR 550, the Bills are in "quarterback purgatory" but might be good enough to not earn the first or second overall draft pick next season. Whaley is not exactly inspiring confidence as the Bills enter their first season under new head coach Rex Ryan. Manuel, Matt Cassel, Tyrod Taylor and Matt Simms are all pushing for the starting job and no one is emerging as the real leader. According to wide receiver Robert Woods, he does not have a preference of who wins.
"Not yet, each QB is making some great throws, EJ's dropping the long ball in, Matt Cassel is going through his progressions throwing the right ball, we've got Tyrod (Taylor) firing and making some good throws while he's running and then we've got (Matt) Simms fitting the ball in tight coverage," said Woods, via the Buffalo Bills team website. "So each QB is bringing something different, and making the right throws."
Woods along with Sammy Watkins are fantasy football favorites unless the quarterback position struggles. Watkins has struggled with injuries and the quarterback play is certainly not helping his numbers. While he certainly has the talent to be an WR1 option for owners, additions like LeSean McCoy, Percy Harvin and Charles Clay could hurt his value. The Bills will try and spread the ball around much more this upcoming season in order to make up for any quarterback struggles.
The run game will also be a major focus in Buffalo after the Bills acquired McCoy who could be a real game changer for the team. Fred Jackson is the backup for McCoy, but will not be a threat to the running back's production. He will be the top rusher for the team and likely called upon a lot.
Selecting any of the offensive stars for the Bills is a risk simply because the quarterback spot is such a question mark. If someone can emerge as the leader during training camp, Buffalo stands a chance. Whaley told the media that he has seen improvement, but clearly not enough to make him believe the Bills are on their way to long-term success.
