Buffalo’s decision to bench quarterback EJ Manuel for Kyle Orton could make the team better. But it invites more scrutiny by new ownership of the decision to use a first-round pick on Manuel in the first place.
As explained by Adam Schefter of ESPN, Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher told NFL teams that he didn’t believe Manuel possessed the skills to be a successful starting quarterback in the NFL.
While Fisher deserves credit for his candor -- candor that could be used against him by other college coaches in recruiting -- the question becomes why the Bills ignored what Fisher had to say. Buffalo apparently saw something that Fisher didn’t, and whatever Manuel may have will remain under wraps, for now.
Given that Alex Smith was available for what ultimately became a pair of second-round picks, the Bills clearly got this one wrong, and Terry and Kim Pegula surely will have a hard time overlooking that fact when deciding whether to bring the coach and G.M. back for 2015.