The Buffalo Bills might have had a quarterback controversy entering the season, but make no mistake, it is Tyrod Taylor's team now. Taylor has more than exceeded expectations this year with the Bills as the starting quarterback after he beat out EJ Manuel and Matt Cassel for the job. With the third year of his contract getting voided, head coach Rex Ryan is making it clear that he wants Taylor around for the future in Buffalo.
According to Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News, Ryan told general manager Doug Whaley that he wants Taylor to get a new contract in the offseason and stick around. The quarterback has thrived this season with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also gained 371 yards on the ground with three touchdowns. While the Bills may or may not be headed to the playoffs, it is clear that Taylor can be a quarterback that brings them success in the future.
"I think he's doing an outstanding job," Ryan said, via the Buffalo News. "I think just do his thing. I feel good about him being our quarterback moving forward. I don't know what else he has to prove. Would we like to get more wins? One-hundred percent, yes. But it doesn't just fall on the quarterback. But I think that's probably what's missing, maybe the fourth-quarter comebacks. Something like that. He's had a couple. I can tell you this: I'm happy he's our quarterback."
Ryan is not the only player giving Taylor the stamp of endorsement. Rookie running back Karlos Williams likes what the quarterback brings to the field as well. Both Taylor and Williams have exceeded expectations this year and the running back referred to his quarterback as a "G.O.A.T." The Bills have not handed out a high-priced contract extension to a quarterback since Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2011. That deal failed to work out. It is unclear exactly what kind of deal Taylor could earn, but Williams wants him around.
"So I've seen him play at a high level," Williams said, via NFL.com. "Here, he had a chance to be that leader. He's been that leader, to be able to make plays. He has, what, one of the best (passer ratings) in the NFL? He makes plays when they have to be made. When we had a lot of guys out vs. Tennessee (in Week 5), he took over that game. ... He takes things when they're not supposed to be for him, and that's the kind of thing that you need in the locker room."
Taylor still has three games to focus on for this season. The Bills are set to play the Washington Redskins in Week 15 as they fight for the lead in the NFC East. According to Mike Rodak of ESPN.com, Williams is expected to be back with the team after missing last week with a shoulder injury. Charles Clay has been held out of practice with a back injury which makes him doubtful for the matchup against the Redskins. Taylor will ride Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods if the tight end is out.
