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Tyrod Taylor thriving in Buffalo

Once a backup in Baltimore, Tyrod Taylor has led the Bills to a 2-1 start with wins over Indianapolis and Miami

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It was just last year that Tyrod Taylor was the second string quarterback in Baltimore. Now, he is tearing it up in Buffalo with the Bills, leading the team to a 2-1 start to the season, and giving the New England Patriots a comeback scare in their only loss.

Taylor's numbers are very telling of the year he is having: 58-78, 714 yards passing, 7 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 116.1 passer rating, 74.7 QBR, including a 95.3 QBR last week versus the Dolphins. That is the highest QBR a Bills quarterback has had since at least 2006.

On top of those passing numbers, Taylor has shown the ability to make plays on the ground as well, carrying the ball 17 times for 96 yards and a touchdown.

Taylor's 74.4 completion percentage is fifth in the NFL, his 9.15 yards per attempt are third, 7 touchdown passes are tied for fifth, while his three interceptions are fewer than other quarterbacks named Rivers, Flacco, and Luck.

After Taylor signed with the Bills in March, many thought he was on the outside looking in during a three-man battle for Buffalo's starting quarterback with former first round pick EJ Manuel and veteran Matt Cassel. However, Taylor locked up the job and has never looked back.

Taylor has learned from his time in Baltimore, and is now showing what he has to the rest of the NFL, where most people had hardly heard of him. Ravens coach Jim Harbaugh said he has always known what Taylor was capable of.

"Tyrod, we always felt like could play, and it's good to see him proving it," Harbaugh said.

Who knows if Tyrod will keep up the pace that he is currently on, but he is certainly proving himself worthy of a starting job in the NFL. We wish Tyrod Taylor the best of luck throughout this season and going forward.