Is EJ Manuel up for the task in 2014?

Bills Fanatics BF
Jul 26, 2014
4 min read

With training camp underway, most Buffalo Bills fans are watching in anticipation and with high expectations for the 2014 season. The 2013 season was filled with injuries, frustration and disappointment as the Bills marched out an absolutely porous offensive line leading to inconsistent quarterback and running back play. With a rookie head coach, offensive coordinator, quarterback and starting wide receiver, growing pains were to be expected. However, with a full year in the books under Nathaniel Hackett's system and seeing that most of the team's areas of concern have been addressed in the free agency and the draft, one can only wonder how it will all come together. Most will agree that it starts and ends with the 2nd year signal caller EJ Manuel. Is he up for the task?

Before you can answer that, you have to evaluate the improvements that Manuel as well as the players around him have made. As a unit, the offensive line wasn't the worst in pass protection but individually, there was a lot to be desired. While Cordy Glenn was a bright spot on the left side of the offensive line (13th overall rated tackle, 11th left tackle overall per profootballfocus.com), Eric Pears was 45th overall of tackles playing 50% of the team's snaps (22nd ranked at right tackle allowing 4 sacks, 6 quarterback hits and 29 hurries). After a mediocre first 2 games, Kraig Urbik picked it up to finish as the 9th ranked right guard last season. However, on the other side, there was a revolving door at left guard.

Colin Brown started there the first 6 games of the season and ended his tour in Buffalo as the 78th ranked guard that lined up at least 25% of the teams guard snaps. Needless to say, he's unemployed. His replacement, Doug Legursky didn't fare much better finishing 63rd of all guards that played at least 25% of the team's snaps. Eric Wood was ranked 23rd of all centers last season. That's hardly inspirational. This off season, the Bills added left guard journeyman Chris Williams in the free agency then tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, guard Cyril Richardson and tackle Seantrel Henderson in the NFL draft. Also, tackle Chris Hairston is returning from injury. The infusion of young talent and a healthy Chris Hairston should make an immediate impact, improving the protection for Manuel. To paraphrase John McKay, games are won and lost in the trenches.

Looking at Manuel's supporting cast, the Bills have added loads of talent. They said goodbye to Steve Johnson after a disappointing season as they drafted one of the highest graded receivers to come out of college in the past few years in Sammy Watkins. Behind Manuel, we all know how good the one, two combination of CJ Spiller and Freddy Jackson can be but with both backs' contracts expiring, the Bills added utility back Anthony Dixon and the impressive 3rd year back from Philadelphia Bryce Brown.

All that talent teamed with 2nd year receivers Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin, former Buccaneer Mike Williams and capable tight end Scott Chandler makes for a variety of options for Manuel to throw to. Lack of offensive talent can no longer be an excuse for why a Bills quarterback struggles anymore. That said, anyone who has ever played a team sport knows how important chemistry is between teammates. Every player has a certain way of doing things.

Whether it's a no-look pass in the NBA or a route adjustment against press coverage in the NFL, the passer has to know the other guy's tendencies to ensure a crisp, completed pass. There is a trust there. The passer has to trust he knows that player will be where he's supposed to be. So it was no surprise to see Manuel struggle to get on the same page with 1st round draft choice Sammy Watkins in OTA's. However as the teams unquestioned starter this off season, Manuel will have ample opportunities to get in as many reps as he can with his receivers.

Now let's examine the man of the hour. Forget that EJ Manuel missed 6 games last season. Forget that he completed 58.8% of his passes. Forget all the comparisons to other 1st and 2nd year starting quarterbacks. The only question that matters is can Manuel be the guy for the Bills in 2014? I think the answer is yes and it seems that the Bills are comfortable with Manuel behind the wheel. He's worked extremely hard this off season to ensure he improved as he spent nearly half a month in a quarterback camp while working with some of his potential weapons. All reports indicate that he's consistently building chemistry every practice with his receivers. The team got an early start on the playbook so he should be much more prepared going into this season. He's more careful with the ball than you may think as 6 of his 9 interceptions last season were thrown in 2 games and it's likely he improves on his interception to touchdown ratio this year. Most importantly, he's 100% healthy. Planting feet to generate throwing power is extremely difficult on an injured knee. One thing Bills fans haven't been able to say in a while is that this is a good team. As long as Manuel continues to improve and plays well, there's a good chance they end the playoff drought. If he plays good this team can make a push into the playoffs. If he plays great, they can be a contender for a title. Only time will tell and that time is quickly approaching.