Bucky Gleason: Manuel left Bills with little choice but to replace him

Sept. 29--Note: This post is also available at the Bucky & Sully page.

Doug Marrone made a bold move today when he announced he was pulling the plug on EJ Manuel and starting veteran Kyle Orton next week against the Detroit Lions. The decision unfolded at One Bills Drive while many wondered how long it would take Marroneto realize that Manuel wasn't the answer. Apparently, he also lost faith in his quarterback.

Panic move? Not really.

Marrone needs results sooner than yesterday. He stayed with Manuel through training camp while the second-year quarterback struggled to make simple throws. The Bills were committed to Manuel after taking him in the first round of the 2013 draft, anointing him the franchise QB and not signing a qualified backup. Manuel doesn't look any better now than he did when he arrived, leaving his coach little choice.

Orton was picked up just before the season and signed to a two-year deal with $5.5 million coming this season. The Bills didn't pay him that much money to stand on the sidelines. He was picked up as an insurance policy in the likelihood that Manuel's problems would continue. The Bills are desperate to make the postseason after missing the playoffs for 14 straight seasons.

It was obvious in the first four games that the Bills needed a quarterback who could make quick, intelligent decisions while managing the offense. The Bills have a very good defense and enough talent at their skill positions to beat anybody, but they couldn't keep banging their proverbial heads against the wall with an inferior quarterback who lacked poise and experience. It seemed a matter of time before they turned the offense to a veteran QB.

You would think that Orton is capable of reading defenses, throwing to the right receivers, handling pressure and instilling confidence in his teammates. Manuel's receivers at times looked perplexed after he misfired, particularly Sunday against the Texans. Robert Woods in particular appeared dumbfounded after Manuel overthrew a pass in his generation direction.

Orton has been around the block a few times with marginal success while playing for Chicago, Denver Kansas City and Dallas. He started only two games in the past two years, but he played well in his last one. Orton stepped in for injured Tony Romo in the season finale against Philly last year and completed 30 of 46 passes for 358 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

In 2011, the last time Orton was a full-time starter, he opened the season with a 1-4 record with the Broncos. It was the year they turned to Tim Tebow, who guided them into the postseason and was eventually replaced by Peyton Manning. Orton finished the year with the Chiefs and won two of the three games he started down the stretch. Kansas City scored only 39 points in his three starts.

I'll say it again, the Bills need to be sure they're making the right move with Orton. There is a possibility, however slim, that he'll be worse than Manuel. Obviously, they're betting that he'll come to the rescue before the season gets away from them.

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