NFL preseason 2015: Players with most to prove

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts after an incomplete pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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The Buffalo Bills have benched EJ Manuel in favor of Kyle Orton and some believe it may have been too early Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Buffalo Bills – EJ Manuel

Why is he the pick?

Much like Geno Smith, Manuel needs to prove he can play at a high level in the NFL. Manuel was the first-round pick of Buffalo in 2013, giving Bills fans more hope. The problem with hope is that when it goes unrewarded, resentment kicks in. Manuel played in 10 games a rookie but could not muster much offense, throwing for 1,972 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Last year, Manuel was supposed to take the reins of the offense before being benched immediately for Kyle Orton. After Orton was shown the bench following a slow start, Manuel came in but was once more unproductive. Manuel only appeared in five games, throwing for 838 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions. With Orton retired, Manuel now competes with Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor.

What is at stake?

With all due respect to Cassel and Taylor, it would be a damning preseason for Manuel if he can’t win the starting job. Cassel is a veteran stopgap who is clearly not the team’s future, and Taylor has been nothing but a clipboard-holder his entire career with the Baltimore Ravens. Manuel has to take the job and start making some plays, or he will join a litany of Buffalo picks as busts.

Next: Pittsburgh Steelers

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