Ravens React To Tyrod Taylor Winning Bills' Starting Job

Posted Aug 31, 2015

Ryan Mink BaltimoreRavens.com Staff Writer @Ravens All Ryan Mink Articles

It’s finally, really, Tyrod Time, and the Ravens couldn’t be happier.

Former Ravens backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been named the Buffalo Bills’ starting quarterback by Head Coach Rex Ryan.

You're looking at him: your Buffalo Bills starting quarterback. #TyrodTime "I'm excited for this opportunity." pic.twitter.com/xne5zj80Ws
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) August 31, 2015

Upon hearing the news, Harbaugh got a big smile on his face.

“Congratulations to Tyrod,” Harbaugh said. “I know we all believed that he could be that kind of a player. He and I had that conversation many times. Congrats to him, and [I am] happy for Rex that he has him.”

Taylor beat out 2013 first-round pick E.J. Manuel and veteran Matt Cassel for the job. In three preseason games, Taylor went 24-for-31 for 236 yards passing and ran 11 times for 108 yards and a touchdown.

Taylor, a 2011 sixth-round draft choice out of Virginia Tech, spent four years as Joe Flacco’s backup, biding his time until the day he would get a chance to be the starter.

He only attempted 35 regular-season passes in those four seasons, all coming in mop-up duty or as part of a rare trick play. Taylor completed 19 of 35 passes for 199 yards and two interceptions. He ran 27 times for 136 yards and a touchdown.

Despite not seeing much game action with Baltimore, it was always evident that Taylor was a unique talent. He would break off highly athletic plays in practice, showing his dynamic speed, ankle-breaking jukes and strong arm.

“Love it! Everyone here was rooting for him,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said. “I tell everyone he’s the best athlete I’ve ever seen in person. It’s fun to watch him, so I’m excited to see what he’s going to do.”

But with Flacco in front of him, Taylor never had a shot at regular-season action unless Flacco got hurt – which he never did.

“He’s going to do a great job up there,” Flacco told The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec. “They have a great team and he’s going to help them get to where they want to be.”