Buffalo Wings

Mo Brewington

taylor
As the Bills attempt to dominate today’s news cycle and bump Deflategate from the headlines, they have named Tyrod Taylor their starting quarterback for the coming season. During his four years with the Ravens, Taylor had only 199 yards on 19-of-35 passing with zero touchdowns and two interceptions, with 28 yards rushing and one touchdown on the ground. He played a total of 14 games, starting none.

It has been rumored all off-season that Taylor may have a legitimate shot at the starting job, but few in the football world took it overly seriously. Now he steps in at the helm of one of the most talented groups of skill positions in the entire NFL. His athleticism is by far his biggest strength. However, Taylor has received positive reviews as a decision maker as he showed decent accuracy all preseason. Should Taylor learn to manage the game and allow his playmakers to do their jobs, he could put together a nice fantasy season and hold some value as a dynasty quarterback by mixing efficient passing stats with a enough yards on the ground to bolster his output. The blueprint for success among mobile quarterbacks has been written by Russell Wilson, who’s shown how relevant fantasy numbers can be achieved with a modest mix of passing and running success. Let’s take a look at some of Wilson’s past seasons, and see if Taylor could possibly fit into this mold.

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Supplementing modest passing stats with solid rushing yards and limiting turnovers is a formula Wilson has used to move up the scoring ranks among fantasy quarterback. In 2012, he posted 3,118 yards passing with 28 touchdowns to only ten interceptions. He added 489 rushing yards and four touchdowns to finish in tenth place in fantasy quarterback points. The next season, his passing numbers remained about the same – 3,357 yards, 26 touchdowns, nine picks with 539 yards on the ground and one rushing score, earning a QB8 finish. It was the 2014 season where Wilson deviated from the plan and took everything he could get on the ground. He rushed for 849 yards and six touchdowns last season, the sixth highest rushing total for a quarterback in a single season in NFL history. His passing numbers for 2014 where about the same as his previous two season – 3,475 yards, with his touchdown total dipping to 20.

We’re not saying Taylor is the next Russell Wilson at all. However, for Taylor to have the same level of success, he will have to play within himself much like Wilson does. The temptation to take a ton of shots downfield will be immense with Sammy Watkins, Percy Harvin and Robert Woods on the outside. Efficiency will be the key to Taylor’s success and job security. He has the benfit of LeSean McCoy to help shoulder the load. Former Dolphin Charles Clay is one of the most athletic tight ends in the league, one fantasy owners have been waiting to see breakout and overcome his injury problems. The sum of the parts in Buffalo is truly astounding. If you were to place an average quarterback on this team, they would likely make the playoffs with that ferocious defense they have. If you placed a player like Drew Brees on this team, it might break records. All Taylor has to do is move the football downfield, avoid turnovers,and finish drives with touchdowns to keep his job. If he slips up, both Matt Cassel and E.J. Manuel will be waiting in the wings to take control (as long as they’re not released later this week).

Head Coach Rex Ryan and Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman have not been shy in their praise of Taylor. Understanding his limited starting experience, I doubt they will have a short leash. Yet they must balance their patience with Taylor, with the need to keep what should be a very competitive football in the hunt all season long. The AFC East is full of stingy defenses. The conference wildcard race could come down to as many as 12 teams. For Taylor to remain the starter he will have to walk a very thin line. Ryan showed immense patience with Mark Sanchez, so expect him to take the good with the bad from the former Virginia Tech star.

For Dynasty purposes, Tyrod Taylor is worthy of consideration as a QB2. Buffalo’s schedule presents a handful of games where he becomes an interesting possibility in your line-up.

Week1 vs. Colts
Week4 vs Giants
Week5 @ Titans
Week7 @Jaguars

The above match-ups against suspect defenses could be great spots to give Taylor a shot in your lineup. The timing of these games make him an interesting option for Tom Brady owners looking for a fill in for the first month of the year as well. Taylor is squarely on the dynasty radar.

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mo brewington
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