Your Top 3 Likes and Dislikes About EJ Manuel's Rookie Year

[BillsImpossible]

Mikey Likes:

1. Toughness - How many rookie quarterbacks would have been able to start game 1 against New England after getting injured in training camp and missing so much valuable time, and almost beat the Pats in his first game ever?

That is, "gutsy," and it wasn't a fluke either.

Three knee injuries in one year, and EJ never whined about it. No doubt he played hurt, and that counts a lot in the NFL. The injuries he suffered would probably put most people out of work for a year. We never heard him ***** or moan about ANYTHING. He didn't use his injuries as an excuse either.

2. Poise - EJ never lost his composure last year, with a lot of adversity on his plate to deal with. He never had that deer in the headlights look on his face all year. Throughout his struggles as a young quarterback, EJ kept his composure and never acted or played like a guy who didn't belong in the league.

3. Clutch - If he had 2 more minutes on the clock against the Patriots in week 1, who knows. Manuel performed exactly how we all wanted him to perform in the big moments against Carolina and Baltimore.

And then came Thursday night in Cleveland......the defining moment of 2013.

EJ's numbers were incredible after his first two games.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/15803/ej-manuel

Mulligan!

Mikey Dislikes:

1. Field Vision - EJ Manuel missed a lot of potential big plays last year, with good protection. He must learn quickly from his rookie mistakes, and I think his accuracy percentage will get better.

2. Stay in the pocket! - EJ needs to get comfortable in the pocket, keep his shoulders parallel to the field and start stepping up to avoid pressure instead of relying on his twist and spin move.

3. Too quiet - Humility and humbleness are great attributes...for nuns.

Not quarterbacks. When is the last time you heard an interview with EJ Manuel? I understand he's been busy practicing with his teammates this off season, but at least pick up the phone and give Murph a call!

People want to hear what EJ Manuel has to say. He needs to start being the, "Face of the Franchise."

EJ Manuel is the future of the Buffalo Bills. The future will be televised!

Get used to the spotlight, EJ.

It's okay to shine like a star.

[YardRat]

Likes-

1. Plays well in clutch situations.
2. Demeanor--he seems very level headed and composed most of the time.
3. The Billy Dee Williams porn-stache. Classic.

Dislikes-

1. Injuries.
2. Long ball accuracy.
3. Injuries.

[JoeMama]

Hey this thread unfairly assumes I saw three whole things I liked from EJ.

[BB4ever]

Like nothing dislikes:
Predictable spin move led to unwarranted sacks.
Very bad footwork.
Very poor accuracy.
Escaped the pocket when unecessary.
Inflated stats during garbage time that has everybody drinking the koolaid.
Regressed during the season.
Started so slow in every game.
Injuries
Largely inconsistent.
Had confidence issues.
Missed wide open receivers.
Had to have the playbook and reads dumbed down in the middle of the season.
Im done

[stuckincincy]

I still shake my head at the BUF management pulling their PR stunt of having a rookie (!) try to run a quick-paced offense because of their iffy OL. They bragged about what they were going to do. You rob that rookie of learning to diagnose defensive sets, defensive shifts, proceed to radically compress his decision time and speed up the game for him, then wonder why the kid scooted out of the pocket and/or flung high sideline passes to receivers who didn't have time to get separation.

Terrible coaching, terrible management - which makes him now, little more than the unknown quantity he was in the first game of the season.

[trapezeus]

i agree with the likes of the original poster.

the dislikes are the same as well, but i also really didn't like how streaky he was. it might not be reflected in his stats, but there were games where he seemed comfortable and he could really throw great passes. then other games, he came out stiff and was pushing the ball and not throwing with confidence. and that lead to inaccuracy and a spiraling of confidence.If he was just most confident and consistent early, i think he would be in good shape of being a game manager this year.

I just want to see him have a good year where the TD's are at a 1.5-2 to 1 ratio of his interceptions. i'd like to see mostly 200-350yard yards per game. i'd like to see him only throwing about 20-25 times a game and having a qb rating of about 70-85 consistently

[justasportsfan]

Likes:
1. If true, he has a great work ethic
2. Size
3. Arm Strength

Dislikes
1. Does not trust his receivers - most of the time they have to be completely open for him to throw to them or he's dinking the ball.For Watkins/Woods/Goodwin/M. Williams to reach their potential , EJ has to pull the trigger and trust his receivers to make plays.


2. Injuries
3. Lack of confidence.Plays scared.

[OpIv37]

Mikey Likes:

1. Toughness - How many rookie quarterbacks would have been able to start game 1 against New England after getting injured in training camp and missing so much valuable time, and almost beat the Pats in his first game ever?

That is, "gutsy," and it wasn't a fluke either.

Three knee injuries in one year, and EJ never whined about it. No doubt he played hurt, and that counts a lot in the NFL. The injuries he suffered would probably put most people out of work for a year. We never heard him ***** or moan about ANYTHING. He didn't use his injuries as an excuse either.

2. Poise - EJ never lost his composure last year, with a lot of adversity on his plate to deal with. He never had that deer in the headlights look on his face all year. Throughout his struggles as a young quarterback, EJ kept his composure and never acted or played like a guy who didn't belong in the league.

3. Clutch - If he had 2 more minutes on the clock against the Patriots in week 1, who knows. Manuel performed exactly how we all wanted him to perform in the big moments against Carolina and Baltimore.

And then came Thursday night in Cleveland......the defining moment of 2013.

EJ's numbers were incredible after his first two games.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/15803/ej-manuel

Mulligan!

Mikey Dislikes:

1. Field Vision - EJ Manuel missed a lot of potential big plays last year, with good protection. He must learn quickly from his rookie mistakes, and I think his accuracy percentage will get better.

2. Stay in the pocket! - EJ needs to get comfortable in the pocket, keep his shoulders parallel to the field and start stepping up to avoid pressure instead of relying on his twist and spin move.

3. Too quiet - Humility and humbleness are great attributes...for nuns.

Not quarterbacks. When is the last time you heard an interview with EJ Manuel? I understand he's been busy practicing with his teammates this off season, but at least pick up the phone and give Murph a call!

People want to hear what EJ Manuel has to say. He needs to start being the, "Face of the Franchise."

EJ Manuel is the future of the Buffalo Bills. The future will be televised!

Get used to the spotlight, EJ.

It's okay to shine like a star.
You're kinda all over the place here. You compliment his toughness then mention that he got injured 3 times. Then you say you like how he never *****es, and proceed to complain that he's too quiet. Huh?

[IlluminatusUIUC]

Manuel performed exactly how we all wanted him to perform in the big moments against Carolina and Baltimore.

Is this a joke?

[ghz in pittsburgh]

I think you are putting too much hope on EJ. Despite all the praises and "all-in" the management has shown on EJ this off-season, I'm pretty sure they just hope him to be average which is, realistically, attainable. I can probably guarantee you that EJ 2014 will be better than EJ 2013. How much better? Even people at OBD never used playoff-better kind of words.

The way they added all these weapons pretty much says they hope these weapons will make him better, not the other way around. If you have Tom Brady, you expect him to make no name receivers better, which allows you to go picking more QBs who's not going to contribute on offense but maybe strike the lightening again.

So what is average, you may ask?

I'll start with completion percentage, can he get to low 60%? That'll extend a lot of drives. #2 maybe sacks taken. EJ got almost 3 sacks a game, many of his own doing. Get that down to 2 is a good start.

I really don't expect him to improve a great deal in long balls, striking fear into opponents, etc. Those are traits of elite QBs. Maybe he can down the road. This year just complete all the throws the defense give you. If the defense plays more or less the same (maybe less sacks but less rushing yards as well), we have a fairly good chance.

[Bill Cody]

things I like:

poise in the pocket
leadership
clutch plays

things I don't like:

accuracy on longer passes
injuries
consistency

[BillsImpossible]

things I like:

poise in the pocket
leadership
clutch plays

things I don't like:

accuracy on longer passes
injuries
consistency

Manuel's accuracy should improve with the addition of Sammy Watkins to the lineup, and a better running game.

Better pass protection should also help improve his accuracy.

With Mount Cujo on the right side, and Cyril Richardson at left guard, EJ is going to have all day to choose his receiver.

I think Doug Whaley recognized the main problem and did his absolute best to help correct it.

EJ Manuel needed a more versatile number 1 wide receiver, and he also needed more time to see plays develop in the pocket.

Imagine if Henderson has an excellent training camp?

The Bills offensive line in 2014 has the potential to be dominant.

No question about Henderson's talent and ability, all he has to do is stay out of trouble.

I think his new teammates will help him stay away from the past, along with Mike Williams.

[BillsImpossible]

Like nothing dislikes:
Predictable spin move led to unwarranted sacks.
Very bad footwork.
Very poor accuracy.
Escaped the pocket when unecessary.
Inflated stats during garbage time that has everybody drinking the koolaid.
Regressed during the season.
Started so slow in every game.
Injuries
Largely inconsistent.
Had confidence issues.
Missed wide open receivers.
Had to have the playbook and reads dumbed down in the middle of the season.
Im done

He went 4-6 as a rookie with a bum knee! Give the kid a second chance.

Coach Doug Marrone said it's now "like a light going off" when talking with the Bills quarterbacks about the offensive playbook.
E.J. Manuel was wildly inconsistent as he digested OC Nathaniel Hackett's offense during his rookie campaign. Now he's in the "advanced stages" of the scheme, according to Marrone.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/8331/ej-manuel

[DunkCityFan]

Likes:

1) Love how he plays at the end of games. Shows potential for many 4th Quarter wins.
2) Love how he has earned the respect of management. Clearly they see something
3) Like that he is mobile

Dislike

1) Hate slow starts. Why can't he run the scripted plays well? Shows potential for many 1st Quarter loses.
2) Hate how he seems to have undying support from management. Even the best teams bring in competition.
3) Dislike that he is mobile because of injury concerns.

Kid's boom or bust for me. I feel like it won't be somewhere in between.

[BB4ever]

He went 4-6 as a rookie with a bum knee! Give the kid a second chance.

Coach Doug Marrone said it's now "like a light going off" when talking with the Bills quarterbacks about the offensive playbook.
E.J. Manuel was wildly inconsistent as he digested OC Nathaniel Hackett's offense during his rookie campaign. Now he's in the "advanced stages" of the scheme, according to Marrone.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/8331/ej-manuel

I simply responded to the question posed. Doug marrone does not make up my mind nor does he play apart in my decision making process.

[justasportsfan]

Manuel's accuracy should improve with the addition of Sammy Watkins to the lineup, and a better running game.

Better pass protection should also help improve his accuracy.



For him to become accurate, he has to be confident in himself to make the throw. Throwing to the feet of his receivers 5 yards out is a sign of panic which makes his poise in the pocket mean nothing.

Looking at Watkins' video's he isn't open when the throw is made. He either becomes open when the ball gets there or fights for the ball and wins even if he's covered.
EJ has the tendency to dink the ball when his wr's are covered even in single coverage. EJ needs to play like he did in the 2nd game vs. the jets where he just let it go.

[Historian]

Likes:

Size
Leadership
Strong arm

Dislikes:

Injury prone
Locks in on one receiver

[Buffalogic]

Like:
Size,
4th Qtr Comebacks,
Demeanor

Dislikes:
Overthrows,
Injuries,
Throwing the ball out of bounds.

[Turf]

So much for the thread I was going to start on the top FOUR likes and dislikes of EJ last year. Geez.

[BillsImpossible]

Like:
Size,
4th Qtr Comebacks,
Demeanor

Dislikes:
Overthrows,
Injuries,
Throwing the ball out of bounds.

As for EJ's overthrows and throwing the ball out of bounds, compare his home games vs. the away games.

In 3 out of 4 Home games, EJ Manuel had a 69.1% average completion percentage. (NE, Carolina, Jets)

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/15803/ej-manuel

The first Jets Away game (his first away game ever) and the game in Pittsburgh's sandbox stand out the most for EJ's awful throws of 2013.

He never played on those fields before. Playing in the Meadowlands (MetLife Stadium) is a lot different than playing in Orchard Park.

Heinz Field is different, and much worse to play on. The playing surface in that stadium is ridiculous. The Steelers see it as an advantage.

The NFL seriously has to do something about the horrendous grass mud and sand mix field in Pittsburgh. Try playing on that surface as a rookie quarterback with a bad knee in the rain, against a Dick Lebeau led defense.

EJ's best Away game completion percentage came against Jacksonville. (70.8%)

His second best Away game completion percentage came against Pittsburgh. (56.4%)

What stands out the most to me?

EJ Manuel's 69.1% Home completion percentage against New England, Carolina, and the Jets.

EJ has a great feel for the home turf at RWS, but he needs more experience away, and that will come in due time.

69.1% against Belichick, Ryan, and Ron Rivera's Carolina defense?

I'd go all in too, Doug.

[BillsImpossible]

You're kinda all over the place here. You compliment his toughness then mention that he got injured 3 times. Then you say you like how he never *****es, and proceed to complain that he's too quiet. Huh?

He got injured 3 different times, was able to start 10 games and went 4-6 as a starter. EJ was two fumbles in Toronto away from being 5-5.

Most people would be on Worker's Comp and Disability for 12 months or more after getting injured on the job.

EJ doesn't *****, and he is quiet. There is a way of being vocal without *****ing.

Actions speak louder than words, and I really like EJ's off field actions he has taken upon himself during this off season.

[Historian]

Throwing the ball out of bounds.

I saw that one as a positive, because after seeing Losman, Fitz and Edwards eat the ball so often, it was nice to see a QB who knew when to get outside the tackles and ditch the ball.

[Night Train]

Like

1. Size
2. Hits the slant well
3. Can find Woods

Dislike

1. Taking on D players
2. Touch throwing long
3. Too many injuries

[ghz in pittsburgh]

As for EJ's overthrows and throwing the ball out of bounds, compare his home games vs. the away games.

In 3 out of 4 Home games, EJ Manuel had a 69.1% average completion percentage. (NE, Carolina, Jets)

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/15803/ej-manuel

The first Jets Away game (his first away game ever) and the game in Pittsburgh's sandbox stand out the most for EJ's awful throws of 2013.

He never played on those fields before. Playing in the Meadowlands (MetLife Stadium) is a lot different than playing in Orchard Park.

Heinz Field is different, and much worse to play on. The playing surface in that stadium is ridiculous. The Steelers see it as an advantage.

The NFL seriously has to do something about the horrendous grass mud and sand mix field in Pittsburgh. Try playing on that surface as a rookie quarterback with a bad knee in the rain, against a Dick Lebeau led defense.

EJ's best Away game completion percentage came against Jacksonville. (70.8%)

His second best Away game completion percentage came against Pittsburgh. (56.4%)

What stands out the most to me?

EJ Manuel's 69.1% Home completion percentage against New England, Carolina, and the Jets.

EJ has a great feel for the home turf at RWS, but he needs more experience away, and that will come in due time.

69.1% against Belichick, Ryan, and Ron Rivera's Carolina defense?

I'd go all in too, Doug.

In my opinion, EJ's struggle at Heinz field has everything to do with Lebeau's defense, more than anything else. The Steelers just got hot at the time and threw a lot stuff at him; EJ did not respond well. Let's just leave it at that -- I believe this is also the 1st game he came back from injury, had some rust at the beginning as well.

I walked on Heinz field a number of occasions. The field is fine, honestly.

[Buffalogic]

I saw that one as a positive, because after seeing Losman, Fitz and Edwards eat the ball so often, it was nice to see a QB who knew when to get outside the tackles and ditch the ball.I was referring more to the big bomb passes that landed 5 yards out of bounds where the receiver had no chance to even make a play on the ball. Nothing is more frustrating to me personally than seeing that repeatedly. I don't care if the db intercepts it 50 yards down the field, but at least let your receiver fight for it.

[stuckincincy]

In my opinion, EJ's struggle at Heinz field has everything to do with Lebeau's defense, more than anything else. The Steelers just got hot at the time and threw a lot stuff at him; EJ did not respond well. Let's just leave it at that -- I believe this is also the 1st game he came back from injury, had some rust at the beginning as well.

I walked on Heinz field a number of occasions. The field is fine, honestly.

Lebeaus' defense is creaking. PGH thinks that linebackers can solve OL, DL, DB, WR, RB problems. Ben R keeps them alive, and he's destined for a wheel chair.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

Lebeaus' defense is creaking. PGH thinks that linebackers can solve OL, DL, DB, WR, RB problems. Ben R keeps them alive, and he's destined for a wheel chair.

I actually admire what they do in draft what they always do: stick to the board. Odell Beckham, Gilbert, Fuller went before their pick, so they pick the next highest rated guy on their board.

It's just a sign of a team stable and comfortable in their daily buinsess. Believe me, over the long haul, this is the way to go and their history proves that.

I undertsand OBD wants to make a splash this time around. Let's wait and see how good Whaley and his team of talent evaluators are with these bold moves. I know for sure that over the long haul, the way they conduct business in this draft is NOT the way to build consistent winners.

[stuckincincy]

I actually admire what they do in draft what they always do: stick to the board. Odell Beckham, Gilbert, Fuller went before their pick, so they pick the next highest rated guy on their board.

It's just a sign of a team stable and comfortable in their daily buinsess. Believe me, over the long haul, this is the way to go and their history proves that.

I undertsand OBD wants to make a splash this time around. Let's wait and see how good Whaley and his team of talent evaluators are with these bold moves. I know for sure that over the long haul, the way they conduct business in this draft is NOT the way to build consistent winners.

I lived in the PGH area for 11 years, and no question about 3 of their SB wins. #4 was the pre ordained Jerome Bettis Victory Tour, and the one against AZ was tainted by the last 35 seconds and the 11 calls on AZ.

They are a media darling team, and it behooves the NFL to let them get away with 50 or so personal fouls per year. For decades.

[Bill Cody]

http://msn.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/jameis-winston-stealing-crab-legs-video-051514

EJ may or may not make it but pretty sure he's not a common thief, so I like that about him too