Taylor NOT a one read and run QB (play by play look)

[BaaadThingsMan]

Much appreciated. I'm glad you had the same opinion of the horse collar play. People kept saying he had gray open but I didn't think gray turned his head or body until after TT was past the LOS running. To me it looked like he was definitely looking to throw but no one was open or ready for a pass. But I don't have a way to replay the game, so I don't know if I am just misremembering this play or what.

Game replays on NFLN monday morning at 2:30 eastern if u have it

[timtebow15]

I don't mind when the QB runs often even if he has the option to throw if running is open. It's usually the safest option. Throwing on the run can result in an incompletion, drop or interception while taking a running gain is smart. Unless someone is behind the D and a TD is very possible.

 

A smart running QB is no more likely to get hurt than someone like Cassel who is tied to the pocket and will take hits. The QB has to be smart about getting out of bounds or down quickly - something Wilson is very good at.

 

I also don't think a defense can game plan and shut down a running QB that easily. Sure, if they focus on the run they can keep him in the pocket better but then something else is open and he's got to be able to deliver the ball.

[reddogblitz]

But you gotta guess Rex is putting him with the ones this week to see how he looks as a starter.

 

Rex said after he announced Cassel would start game 1 he'd let one of the other guys start game 2 and go from there. He's sticking to the plan.

[Vinaccia]

I would absolutely love if defenses put a spy on TT to try to stop him from scrambling so much. That would probably be the best thing that could happen to us.

How do you think TT would take advantage of that?

[NickelCity]

In order to be"Russell Wilson Dangerous" he has to be able to pass well too which Friday night he didn't show he could. The one Goodwin across the field was his best pass of the day IMHO.

 

WHEN I SEE HIM DROP BACK AND Hit A 15 YARD sideline pass or one 15 yards over the middle then I'll start to billeive in TYrod.

 

The running stuff is fun, but it's not sustainable or a formula for winning IMHO. Not saying he can't, just wanna see it. Thursday I hope.

 

He's been hitting those daily in camp, and did nothing to suggest he couldn't during that game, with a couple nice balls and reads. I know that's a small sample size, but still, it's not like that game was an indictment on his passing game in the slightest.

[GunnerBill]

I appreciate the OPs time and effort in going back through the plays. I have watched them back again and compared what I see to what the OP sees and I have to say I still don't entirely agree with his conclusions and I think there are still 3 maybe 4 plays that I consider he has gone first read then run.... It is, of course, simply impossible for us to know when we don't have the play calls and the route concepts in front of us and I think the OP's interpretations of what he is seeing are an entirely valid interpretation although I don't necessarily agree with them.

 

I still feel I need to see more of him hanging in there and getting to his 2nd and 3rd guy. If he can show something that makes me more comfortable that he can on Thursday (and again it will be impossible to absolutely know for sure) then I will be calling for him to be named the starting Quarterback after Thursday's game.

 

I've been optimistic all summer of making the play-offs based on the idea of a Quarterback just being an accurate distributor and game manager.... if Tyrod Taylor means we have a Quarterback who is in himself a weapon to add to all our other offensive weapons and this defense? We might be Superbowl contenders. I'm trying not to get too carried away but the possibilities are mouthwatering.

[Big Gun]

For as exciting as TT looked Cassel is still #1 week 1.

[GunnerBill]

For as exciting as TT looked Cassel is still #1 week 1.

 

I am not sure you know. I think a lot depends on the game Thursday.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

You worry about him getting hurt, but seemed like in the game he never got hit either. He may be one of these guys who's figured out how to avoid the contact.

[8-8 Forever?]

Lets see how he does against the Browns first team defense this week.. He's fun to watch (Cassell is like watching grass grow). He's not getting you to the promised land, but if he stays away from turnovers, he would be OK this year from a productivity standpoint, and he is entertaining...

 

[Last Guy on the Bench]

I appreciate the OPs time and effort in going back through the plays. I have watched them back again and compared what I see to what the OP sees and I have to say I still don't entirely agree with his conclusions and I think there are still 3 maybe 4 plays that I consider he has gone first read then run.... It is, of course, simply impossible for us to know when we don't have the play calls and the route concepts in front of us and I think the OP's interpretations of what he is seeing are an entirely valid interpretation although I don't necessarily agree with them.

 

I still feel I need to see more of him hanging in there and getting to his 2nd and 3rd guy. If he can show something that makes me more comfortable that he can on Thursday (and again it will be impossible to absolutely know for sure) then I will be calling for him to be named the starting Quarterback after Thursday's game.

 

I've been optimistic all summer of making the play-offs based on the idea of a Quarterback just being an accurate distributor and game manager.... if Tyrod Taylor means we have a Quarterback who is in himself a weapon to add to all our other offensive weapons and this defense? We might be Superbowl contenders. I'm trying not to get too carried away but the possibilities are mouthwatering.

Thanks. I'd be curious to hear more about the 3 or 4 plays you saw as first read then run. Not to argue - just for my own learning.

 

I agree that all of these comments are interpretations of something that's very hard to decode without extensive technical football knowledge (which I don't have) and specific knowledge of the team's goals and tactics on a given play (which none of us has). Basically, I just watched the guy's head to see what he was apparently looking at. Not too sophisticated as analyses go.

 

Also, I do think there is a good argument to be made that even if Taylor is looking at a few areas of the field before taking off, he might be giving up on them too quickly - maybe he needs more patience, or maybe he needs to be willing to throw more often to WRs that aren't wide open? I don't know.

 

What makes me optimistic is that: a) he still doesn't have much NFL playing time, so he should have some good room to grow - whatever his ceiling is, he can't possibly have hit it yet; and b) there's a spark to the way he plays that will energize both the team and the fans - whether that spark translates into winning, we'll see.

[Doc]

For as exciting as TT looked Cassel is still #1 week 1.

Not if he puts up a performance at least similar to Cassel's in game 1.

[Tsaikotic]

can we please stop with the "He's to small, only last 5-6 games due to size" stuff??...Taylor is 6' 1" 215 lbs. which puts him in the same size category as D. Brees (6' 0" 209 lbs.), RGIII (6' 2" 222 lbs.), T. Romo (6' 2" 230 lbs.) and is bigger then R. Willson (5' 11" 206 lbs.)....all 4 of these QBs are starters for their respective teams and all 4 would be welcome to start for the Bills if they needed a job and all 4 would not be called to small by the Fans if they came to Buffalo to play...Personally I'm rooting for EJ just cuz Id like to see a 1st rd pick of ours make it, but I have no problem with Taylor if he's what the FO feels they are looking for to run this offense...

 

...ok sry...everyone can back to the topic now...lol

[BillsFan-4-Ever]

can we please stop with the "He's to small, only last 5-6 games due to size" stuff??...Taylor is 6' 1" 215 lbs. which puts him in the same size category as D. Brees (6' 0" 209 lbs.), RGIII (6' 2" 222 lbs.), T. Romo (6' 2" 230 lbs.) and is bigger then R. Willson (5' 11" 206 lbs.)....all 4 of these QBs are starters for their respective teams and all 4 would be welcome to start for the Bills if they needed a job and all 4 would not be called to small by the Fans if they came to Buffalo to play...Personally I'm rooting for EJ just cuz Id like to see a 1st rd pick of ours make it, but I have no problem with Taylor if he's what the FO feels they are looking for to run this offense...

 

...ok sry...everyone can back to the topic now...lol

maybe it's me, but at times Drew looks like he's looking up over the O Line.

Please Don't take that as a slam on Drew. Just a funny observation

 

Edited August 17, 2015 by BillsFan-4-Ever

[CountryCletus]

maybe it's me, but at times Drew looks like he's on his tippytoes lookign over the O Line.

 

Please Don't take that as a slam on Drew. Just a funny observation

It works!!!

[GunnerBill]

maybe it's me, but at times Drew looks like he's on his tippytoes lookign over the O Line.

Please Don't take that as a slam on Drew. Just a funny observation

 

He does definitely have an up on his toes style I know exactly what you mean. I think the point is with shorter guys that they have to find a way to overcome that. Brees has with superb success, Wilson has, Doug Flutie did to a lesser extent too. However, I think those worrying about size are more worrying about his ability to take hits and get up rather than his ability to see over o-lines.

[Big Gun]

 

I am not sure you know. I think a lot depends on the game Thursday.

IMO, it was all predetermined before TC. TT and EJ were battling for the backup position only. I do not believe Rex was going to hitch his wagon to anyone other than Cassel. It was Cassels job to lose only if he was absolutely god awful was he going to lose it. He hasn't been. Rex has been very good at not tipping his hand.

[Dorkington]

I don't care if he's 3'2", as long as he produces.

[Doc]

IMO, it was all predetermined before TC. TT and EJ were battling for the backup position only. I do not believe Rex was going to hitch his wagon to anyone other than Cassel. It was Cassels job to lose only if he was absolutely god awful was he going to lose it. He hasn't been. Rex has been very good at not tipping his hand.

If that's true, then it's his first mistake. And it's a big one.

[D521646]

If that's true, then it's his first mistake. And it's a big one.

True, that poster has no idea, and frankly, what we've seen in how TC and OTA's has been handled, it does not resemble a coach that already has his mind made yup, how incredibly foolish an observation??

 

Tim-

[Big Gun]

If that's true, then it's his first mistake. And it's a big one.

IDK if it's true, but why is it a mistake?

 

I feel if he goes with MC and MC craps out it's on MC whereas if he goes with TT or EJ and they crap out it's on Rex and he is scrutinized for taking a chance with an unproven. Especially with how this team is set up to succeed this year.

True, that poster has no idea, and frankly, what we've seen in how TC and OTA's has been handled, it does not resemble a coach that already has his mind made yup, how incredibly foolish an observation??

 

Tim-

and you know everything, right!

[machine gun kelly]

In order to game plan, they have to give something else up. That helps us in other ways. Definitely fun to watch. I'm hoping he can be "Russell Wilson Dangerous", and not put himself at risk too much. I don't think a true running QB will last long, but hopefully that's just one aspect of what he offers. He came pretty close on a couple of long balls.

 

It's too early to tell, but if TT can emulate Russell Wilson where he extends plays with his legs, but is still looking down field and can be as accurate throwing on the run, then we have something, and he will be dangerous. If he is more like Kaepernick, and runs too fast, then he'll get killed. That's the evaluation process we need to look at over the next couple of weeks. The other thing is although Cassel was 7 for 8, they were all pretty short throws, and can he drive the ball downfield?

 

I'm not rushing to judgement on either QB, but just want to see more. I admit TT is exciting to watch.

Lastly, to the OP, thanks for putting together. Very detailed and accurate.

[WhitewalkerInPhilly]

IMO, it was all predetermined before TC. TT and EJ were battling for the backup position only. I do not believe Rex was going to hitch his wagon to anyone other than Cassel. It was Cassels job to lose only if he was absolutely god awful was he going to lose it. He hasn't been. Rex has been very good at not tipping his hand.

So, what you're saying is that after Rex promised an open QB competition, coming from a scenario where the lack of an open competition screwed him over, decided to settle, sight unseen, on an aging veteran whose high water mark was limping into first in a terrible division, watched the OTA's where said vet was the worst easily, and went "yep I'm staking my career on this"

 

The only way he does that is if the plan is to tank for a higher draft pick next year.

[Doc]

It's too early to tell, but if TT can emulate Russell Wilson where he extends plays with his legs, but is still looking down field and can be as accurate throwing on the run, then we have something, and he will be dangerous. If he is more like Kaepernick, and runs too fast, then he'll get killed. That's the evaluation process we need to look at over the next couple of weeks. The other thing is although Cassel was 7 for 8, they were all pretty short throws, and can he drive the ball downfield?l

 

I'm not rushing to judgement on either QB, but just want to see more. I admit TT is exciting to watch.

The threat of TT running opens things up for the offense. What you may sacrifice in passing ability is more than made up for by that, IMHO. Not to mention Taylor is largely unproven, unlike Cassel, who is average at best, has no upside, and isn't a potential franchise QB.

[WhitewalkerInPhilly]

IDK if it's true, but why is it a mistake?

 

I feel if he goes with MC and MC craps out it's on MC whereas if he goes with TT or EJ and they crap out it's on Rex and he is scrutinized for taking a chance with an unproven. Especially with how this team is set up to succeed this year.

 

And you think...Rex Ryan...of all people...would be overly cautious? On something he has vowed to not be a part of?

[D521646]

IDK if it's true, but why is it a mistake?

 

I feel if he goes with MC and MC craps out it's on MC whereas if he goes with TT or EJ and they crap out it's on Rex and he is scrutinized for taking a chance with an unproven. Especially with how this team is set up to succeed this year.

and you know everything, right!

 

 

No, and I never claimed too, like you did. I was just pointing out how, given the evidence of what we've seen, you couldn't possibly be correct. That's all, and you're welcome to your opinion, but lets not confuse opinion as fact..

 

Tim-

[Maury Ballstein]

IMO, it was all predetermined before TC. TT and EJ were battling for the backup position only. I do not believe Rex was going to hitch his wagon to anyone other than Cassel. It was Cassels job to lose only if he was absolutely god awful was he going to lose it. He hasn't been. Rex has been very good at not tipping his hand.

He's been god awful for 5 years running now fwiw

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Great post, Last Guy - Thanks!

[Webster Guy]

I think TT would be great to bring in on special packages in our first game against Indy, which I think Cassel will start.

 

He is the exact opposite of Cassel, and there would be basically zero film of him running Romans offense. If you are prepared for a dink and dunk pocket passer and then Tyrod comes in this could be a nightmare for Indy's defense.

 

His best asset seems to be mobility without the INT numbers that most running qb's like vick and Kap put up.

[BackInDaDay]

How do you think TT Roman would take advantage of that?

Edited August 17, 2015 by BackInDaDay

[26CornerBlitz]

@Cianaf

Breaking Down Tyrod Taylor and why he's the favourite for the starting job in Buffalo http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/143453604/buffalo-bills-tyrod-taylor-may-be-starting-qb

 

[elroy16]

I listened to the WGR post game show before watching the game and distinctly remember Matthew Coller saying Taylor was running after one read. I was disappointed in hearing that and then watched the game and completely disagree with what Coller said and agree with the OP. I haven't had time to go back and examine each play, but since I was watching the game on DVR, I would watch most plays twice. Even on the bootlegs and most of the time Taylor scrambled you could see his eyes up field. He might have gone through his reads a little too quickly and scrambled before you'd like him too, but I don't remember him running when he had a big, open pocket. It was mostly when some pressure was getting close.

 

 

This week is going to be a lot of fun and hopefully Taylor seizes the opportunity. With the number one offense, I hope the WR's getting open more frequently and allow Taylor to use his arm more.

[Big Gun]

 

 

No, and I never claimed too, like you did. I was just pointing out how, given the evidence of what we've seen, you couldn't possibly be correct. That's all, and you're welcome to your opinion, but lets not confuse opinion as fact..

 

Tim-

False, I said In my opinion, and if you think my opinion is wrong, then you must think you are right, right!

He's been god awful for 5 years running now fwiw

and EJ and TT have been so much better the past 5 years.

Edited August 17, 2015 by old school

[WhitewalkerInPhilly]

 

and EJ and TT have been so much better the past 5 years.

Actually, over the last two years EJ has looked numbers wise as good as or better than Cassel.

 

And Tyrod has been backing up a SB Championship QB who is making bank.

[Chuck Wagon]

I'm firmly in Tyrod's camp. His speed from the position is game changing and I want him playing as much as possible to continue to gain a comfort level and more polish. He reminded me of Wilson in that he seemed smart enough to get what he could then get on the ground, unlike a guy like Cam (who runs like a fullback) / RG3 (who was always trying to break a play before his injury) / EJ (not shying from contact caused a lot of missed time his rookie year).

 

I like Cassel as the backup, if Tyrod is running around it's inevitable he'll take a shot at some time or may just be gassed, in that instance I like plugging Cassel in to bring a steady hand.

[Wayne Cubed]

IMO, it was all predetermined before TC. TT and EJ were battling for the backup position only. I do not believe Rex was going to hitch his wagon to anyone other than Cassel. It was Cassels job to lose only if he was absolutely god awful was he going to lose it. He hasn't been. Rex has been very good at not tipping his hand.

 

Predetermined before the season but Rex decided to give valuable playing time away where Matt Cassel could develop chemistry with the 1s? Why would he do that to see who the Bills backup QB will be?

 

This is the first I've ever heard of giving playing time away with the 1s to see who the backup QB will be. Surprised other teams aren't following the same genius plan. And why not tip his hand? Why not just announce Matte Cassel as the starter? A team is eventually going to know who is starting for the Bills. The Colts aren't out there game planning for the Bills yet, once training camp ends they will and at that point Rex will have announced the starter.

 

There is very little benefit to not announcing who the starting QB is going to be. In fact if Rex is playing this game and "not tipping his hand" and giving 1st team reps away just to be secretive, he's doing more damage then good.

[Big Gun]

 

Predetermined before the season but Rex decided to give valuable playing time away where Matt Cassel could develop chemistry with the 1s? Why would he do that to see who the Bills backup QB will be?

 

This is the first I've ever heard of giving playing time away with the 1s to see who the backup QB will be. Surprised other teams aren't following the same genius plan. And why not tip his hand? Why not just announce Matte Cassel as the starter? A team is eventually going to know who is starting for the Bills. The Colts aren't out there game planning for the Bills yet, once training camp ends they will and at that point Rex will have announced the starter.

 

There is very little benefit to not announcing who the starting QB is going to be. In fact if Rex is playing this game and "not tipping his hand" and giving 1st team reps away just to be secretive, he's doing more damage then good.

After just listening to Paul Hamilton on WGR this morning, it appears I'm not the only one who thinks EJ is toast, TT is meh and Meh is #1.

[WhitewalkerInPhilly]

After just listening to Paul Hamilton on WGR this morning, it appears I'm not the only one who thinks EJ is toast, TT is meh and Meh is #1.

OS...while I can appreciate the rhetorical argument of "appeal to authority" usually you look for someone better than Paul Hamilton when it comes to the Bills.

[Big Gun]

OS...while I can appreciate the rhetorical argument of "appeal to authority" usually you look for someone better than Paul Hamilton when it comes to the Bills.

I can agree with that but he is exposed to a lot more insider information than 99% of this board.

Edited August 17, 2015 by old school

[26CornerBlitz]

OS...while I can appreciate the rhetorical argument of "appeal to authority" usually you look for someone better than Paul Hamilton when it comes to the Bills.

Hamilton opined that no team would even pick up EJ if he were to be released. He's not even that good at covering hockey and him as a football analyst is a cruel joke. EJ is certainly enigmatic and inconsistent, but he's actually won games in the NFL and has talent.