AFC East QB Rankings: Tom Brady, then everyone else

#2, EJ Manuel

Speaking of rookies who were not ready to take over starting roles, EJ Manuel is our next man. Manuel had an interesting deal last year because he missed the end of the season due to injury. In my opinion (and it’s reflected by stats for the majority), he was having a better rookie year that Geno Smith, but who knows how it would have ended.

However, Manuel has a bit more leeway than does Smith. His backup quarterback Thad Lewis (Go Duke), isn’t going to put any pressure on him unless things go really really bad in Buffalo – which, I suppose is always in play?

Through the first three games last season Manuel racked 549 yards passing, 4 touchdowns and only one pick. His play fluctuated a bit in the following weeks, but it’s not quite like he was handed the keys to a Porsche. He finished with 11 touchdowns, 9 picks. Granted, four of those interceptions came in an early December loss to the Tampa Bay. I think when/if Doug Marrone and company develop a steady plan, Manuel could end up being pretty effective. For example last season he would go one game with 40 passing attempts and follow the next week with 20.

Manuel has to be relatively excited about his new target, rookie Sammy Watkins. Between Watkins, Mike Williams and Robert Woods, Manuel has a solid receiving core to match his already pretty talented backfield with Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller, who – in his contract year – needs to have a good year himself.

The former Florida State Seminole has the tools and the weapons, we’ll see if he puts them to any use.