EJ Manuel loses starting job

[Axeman33]

https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-s...195018183.html

"Bills head coach Doug Marrone dropped a bombshell in his Monday news conference. Marrone announced that starting quarterback EJ Manuel will be benched and backup Kyle Orton will be the starter in Week 5.

Manuel had a rough game Sunday against the Houston Texans, completed only 21 of 44 passes (and only 7 of 19 in the second half) for 225 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Bills called a lot of passes, but most of them were short throws and his 47 percent completion percentage in the game didn't cut it.

One of those interceptions was a close-range pick by the Texans' J.J. Watt, which he ran back for a touchdown. After the game, Manuel appeared dejected in the Bills' locker room.

In four starts this season, Manuel has completed 58 percent of his passes, with 838 yards, five TDs and three interceptions. The Bills are 2-2, and Manuel has not been a disaster, but they have had to limit the offense so severely and work around his limitations so dramatically.

So why a change now? Because the division is still there for the grabbing. The New England Patriots have not proven anything yet, and the Bills have to feel that they still have a shot at winning the AFC East with Orton. The new ownership is about to be minted by the other NFL owners this week, but the new mandate is clear: winning now is vital for Marrone, who is far from secure in his job, despite only being on the job a couple years now.
Orton signed with the team after the Dallas Cowboys — per his request — released him this offseason, so he was able to double dip on bonus money still owed by the Cowboys as well as a tasty salary ($5 million) that indicated just how short Manuel's leash was.

The last snap Orton, who reportedly contemplated reitrement this summer, took in an NFL game of any kind was in the Cowboys' Week 17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Orton did not play in the preseason with the Bills."

[metaldude26]

The Bills really do have a shot if Orton can just take care of the ball. Manuel was abysmal. What a waste of a first rounder. Can you imagine if they'd have drafted another defender instead of Manuel? This team would be crazy on defense.

I don't actually expect the Bills to be much better with Orton but it doesn't get much worse than Manuel.

[Axeman33]

QBs in the first round are such a crap shoot anyway.

I agree that I am skeptical Orton will do much, but he can't be any worse.