Report: Bills ‘skeptical’ of E.J. Manuel as franchise quarterback

When the Buffalo Bills signed veteran quarterback Kyle Orton to a one-year deal worth $5.5, it was evident the front office wasn’t completely comfortable with E.J. Manuel at quarterback, especially after a so-so preseason.

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While this was only an assumption that could be made, Adam Schefter of ESPN confirmed this was an actual thing going into the 2014 NFL season.

From ESPN:

"Meanwhile in Buffalo, even some within the Bills organization have reservations about whether Manuel is going to be able to succeed. Buffalo, per one league source, is “not afraid to pull the trigger” on a quarterback change and turn to recently signed Kyle Orton."

If Manuel is being judged on a weekly basis, he passed the test with flying colors as Buffalo went into Chicago to steal a victory in their season opener.

In his first game of the season, Manuel completed 16-of-22 passes for 173 yards for 1 touchdown and 1 interception, finishing with a passer rating of 91.7, a mark that would make for the fourth best of his short career–Manuel posted three 100+ passer ratings against the Patriots, Jets, and Jaguars in 2013.

Manuel also affected the game with his legs, carrying for 19 yards on 6 carries, one going for a two-yard touchdown, the third rushing TD of his career.

The Chicago Bears defense hasn’t lived up to the stigma surrounding them in the last few decades, but it’s a good test to see if Manuel can live up to the franchise quarterback label the Bills placed upon him following the 2013 Draft where Manuel was selected 16th overall.

If E.J. Manuel can continue performing at this level–or better–in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins whom held Tom Brady and the New England Patriots scoreless in the second half of their matchup, he may be able to keep Kyle Orton off his back for the remainder of the season.