Buffalo Bills QB competition just getting started
By Dennis Amo
May 10, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) looks to throw a pass during rookie minicamp at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
With Ryan Fitzpatrick released during free agency, there was a sigh of relief that came over Buffalo. We knew the Buffalo Bills and their new coaching staff was going to be drafting a QB. The only question we had was who and where in the draft.
We now know all of this as well as the Bills bringing in Kevin Kolb to compete with Tarvaris Jackson who re-signed with the Bills.
Lets take a look at the QB who will be competing for the starting job.
E.J. Manuel came to Buffalo via the Draft from FSU. During his career at FSU, Manuel was able to complete 600 of 897 passes for a total of 7,736 yards. He had 47 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. He was also able to do it on the ground game. He ran 298 times for a total of 827 yards. While his average was only 2.8 on the ground he was able to score 11 times with his feet. He has been compared to Bucs QB Josh Freeman, who is starting to come into his own.
Kevin Kolb came to Buffalo via free agency. He came over from the Arizona Cardinals. Kolb has been in the league since 2007. He was drafted by the Eagles in the 2nd round. Over 6 years he has played in 32 games, 21 of those he has started. He has completed 449 passes from 775 attempts for just over 5200 yards. He has 28 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. His QB rating is a 78.5. On the ground, Kolb’s average is just a little better than Manuel’s at 3.3 yards per carry but on 69 carries with a total of 229 yards and only 2 TDs.
Tarvaris Jackson came to the Buffalo Bills from the Seattle Seahawks, while spending most of his career in Minnesota. He was drafted in 2006 by the Vikings and was referred to as a right-handed Michael Vick. He has played in 51 games and started 35 of those. He has completed 625 passes from 1053 attempts for 7075 yards. He has racked up 38 touchdowns and 35 interceptions. He is the best on his feet from the other two having a 4.0 rushing average. He has ran 153 times gaining 643 yards with 5 touchdowns.
Who’s the better QB for the Buffalo Bills. Based on the numbers they all have something to prove. Jackson and Kolb bring in the experience, I think Manuel is a better overall payer. Do you take an inexperienced, raw QB over one that has experience but will only be average. Can the Buffalo Bills live with the ups and downs of a rookie player, that may or may not come? I think we can. Based on stats, I would start Manuel at the beginning of the season, barring any injuries during training camp.