Buffalo Bills: Rex Ryan keeps us guessing about starting quarterback

Rex Ryan appears to be having fun with the Buffalo Bills starting quarterback situation

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I’m beginning to get the distinct impression Rex Ryan is enjoying the whole uncertainty surrounding the Buffalo Bills starting quarterback position. At this point, everyone can only guess who will line up under center for the home opener against the Indianapolis Colts – and that’s just the way Ryan likes it.

The Bills head coach confirmed his stance to Sal Capaccio and the rest of the media after the 11-10 win over the Cleveland Browns: “Remember, I’m not going to make that decision until we play Indy. Competitive reasons, whatever.

“We don’t need to tell them. Until the league makes us tell them, we can just go right up in there and say, ‘We’re not gonna say anything’.”

It’s entirely possible that the 52-year old Ryan already knows who will start, come opening day. (He’s said as much.) However, he’s happy to keep everyone wondering for now.

Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) runs the ball during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan said: “We may know, but why would we say any different? The quarterbacks that we’re talking about, they’re all three different.

“So plan for all three of them. And I think that’s smart on our part.”

As you can imagine, this has media types and fans alike driving themselves crazy, trying to work out who the main man is. Talk to enough people, and you’ll find convincing arguments for every one of Tyrod Taylor, Matt Cassel and EJ Manuel.

One such theory suggests that Cassel will start against the Colts, hence why he was held out altogether against the Browns. By the same token, there are just as many suggestions that Taylor is now the favorite, on the back of two consecutive good performances.

What about Manuel, who’s been left to fend for himself with the reserves? He has had his moments in the two preseason games, including orchestrating the game-winning drive and two-point conversion in Cleveland.

Personally speaking, if it was me making the decision – and thank goodness for everyone it isn’t – I would have to go with Taylor. He’s impressed the heck out of me, and I think he brings a certain X-factor to the offense, which can only be a good thing.

Overall though, if Ryan really does want to keep folks guessing right up until the end, he will have to go against convention next week versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is because the third preseason game is when you typically see most teams playing their prospective week one starters for a longer period of time.

Next: Don't count out EJ Manuel just yet

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