Injuries at the quarterback position may force the Buffalo Bills to have yet another new player line up under center this season.
It is clear that the Buffalo Bills don’t have much faith in Nathan Peterman as the starting quarterback. Yet he still gets playing time, so try and figure that out.
Peterman got the start last week in a blowout loss and it was made clear this week that he would not exactly be first in line.
Josh Allen was the first option if he was healthy, followed by Derek Anderson.
Derek Anderson, Charles Clay and Trent Murphy have all been ruled out for the Bills.
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) November 9, 2018
So that takes Anderson out of the running, and rightfully so. There is zero need to throw him out on the field after a concussion when he was brought here to teach Allen. He does not need to be the sacrificial lamb at this point in his career.
As for Allen:
McDermott: still working thru QB decision. Josh Allen progressing well but will be limited again today at practice. #Bills
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) November 9, 2018
So that is rather vague.
Let’s assume for a second that Allen isn’t able to go. That would make the decision come down to Peterman or Matt Barkley. The same Barkley who has been in Buffalo for barely any time at all.
It appears as if some coaches have at least had the conversation with Barkley according to this tweet:
Matt Barkley: “I know this game as plan as well as a starter needs to know it. If my number is called, I’ll be ready.”
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) November 9, 2018
As of right now we can eliminate Anderson from the conversation. And I’ll go ahead and eliminate Peterman because clearly he is below the final option on the list. The fact he remains on the roster confuses me based on how historically bad he has been.
McDermott is clearly pulling for Allen, but there is no need to rush him back either. The team is 2-7 and if he needs more time to get healthy in what is a lost season, he should be given that time.
Unfortunately, starting Barkley would likely mean another rough game for fans. The only way it would be exciting is if Brian Daboll just let Barkley throw it deep all game and the Bills receivers had their best game of the year. One can still dream.
It is Friday and the Bills don’t know who is starting at quarterback on Sunday. I would say that is a disaster but it is just the way the season has gone. Fans just want someone out there on Sunday who looks competent.