After spending the first four years of his career as Joe Flacco's backup with the Baltimore Ravens, former Hokie star QB Tyrod Taylor decided to leave the Ravens in free agency and sign with the Buffalo Bills to compete for their starting quarterback job.
Taylor came in as the under-the-radar guy of the three contenders for the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback job with E.J. Manuel being a former first-round pick for the Bills, and Buffalo making a trade to bring in Matt Cassel.
Entering training camp, Bills head coach Rex Ryan was looking for someone who would at least protect the football, building his team around a strong rushing attack and defense. With most analysts expecting Cassel or Manuel to win the job, Taylor came into training camp with a chip on his shoulder looking to prove that he is the best quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.
The battle for the job was close throughout all of the preseason with all three quarterback playing fairly well. However, the man that most didn't expect to win the job was able to close the deal to the surprise of no one in Hokie Nation.
The Buffalo Bills have named Tyrod Taylor to be their starting quarterback for their regular season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Taylor will most likely be the only former Virginia Tech quarterback to start in the NFL regular season this year unless an injury opens the door for Logan Thomas in Arizona or Michael Vick in Pittsburgh.
Taylor impressed in his third preseason game as he went 12 for 13 for 122 passing yards, and had only 7 incompletions over the course of the three preseason games. Taylor also showed his solid mobility that can help him get out of some sacks, and make some plays down the field with his legs.
Even with Buffalo fans' hopes of making the playoffs this season, Taylor shouldn't face much pressure as someone that isn't expected to be much more than a game manager with a good rushing attack and one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Tyrod Taylor took advantage of the first real opportunity he has had to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Don't be surprised if Taylor at least meets expectations and is the starting quarterbacks for the Bills for the whole season barring injuries.
It is very appropriate that at the time Taylor takes over a starting QB job in the NFL, the Hokies have a guy that is said to be the next Tyrod Taylor in Dwayne Lawson.
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