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Buffalo Bills’ Over/Under: 7 interceptions thrown by QB

By Ryan Brennan

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 15: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills throws the ball against the New York Jets during the first half at New Era Field on September 15, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 15: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills throws the ball against the New York Jets during the first half at New Era Field on September 15, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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The Buffalo Bills were tied for 4th when it came to throwing the least amount of interceptions at 7 throughout the season.

We all know Tyrod Taylor has a history of avoiding turnovers, but a lot of that is due to him not being much of a risk-taker so far in his early career as a starting QB. The Buffalo Bills finished the season tied for 4th in the NFL with Oakland and Atlanta, throwing 7 interceptions as a team.

Unfortunately, this was a stat that was owned by the reigning Super Bowl Champions and most efficient passing attack in the NFL — the Patriots. Luckily, I also get to say that the Jets threw the most interceptions at 25 on the season.

The 7 thrown by the Buffalo Bills didn’t all come from Tyrod Taylor, though — only 6 of them did. The other was thrown in the final quarter of the season by rookie QB Cardale Jones.

After not throwing an interception in the season opener, Tyrod Taylor would throw one in each of the next two games — vs. the Jets and Cardinals. That was followed by an impressive 5-game streak without throwing an interception, where he also combined for 6 touchdowns.

An interception was thrown in each of the next two games — vs. Seattle and Cincinnati — before playing the Jaguars and finishing with 1 touchdown and no interceptions. Two more interceptions were thrown in back-to-back losses, one vs. the Steelers and one vs. the Raiders.

He would finish the season with 4 TD, 0 INT in his final two games. That’s when Week 17 arrived and E.J. Manuel/Cardale Jones got their chances. Manuel stayed INT-free, but Jones was picked off — bringing us to the 7 team interceptions.

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In my opinion, if the Buffalo Bills took more chances through the air last season, even if it resulted in more interceptions, it would still benefit them in the end. It’s hard to get comfortable throwing the ball if you just simply choose not to do it that often. Plus, I still feel confident that Tyrod would be efficient given more opportunities.

Looking ahead to 2017, I’m going to say that the Buffalo Bills throw more interceptions than they did in 2016 — but that’s not a bad thing. I think Tyrod Taylor will take a lot more chances down the field and might get picked off on a bad throw or good read by the defense every now and then.

I would be happy if Tyrod Taylor kept it 12 interceptions this season, which would’ve ranked him around the middle of the league. I still wouldn’t be surprised if he kept it under 10, but I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he is given the green light to fire away this season.

In the event that he misses a game and T.J. Yates/Nathan Peteman/Cardale Jones are asked to replace, I’ll add one more onto the total projection — leaving me at 13 for the team next season.

I guess the proper thing to say now — as a Buffalo Bills’ fan — is to prove me wrong this season.

Next: Over/Under: 34 passing plays over 20 yards

How many interceptions do you think the Buffalo Bills will throw this season? Leave your predictions below!

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