By David F. Cohen
It never ceases to amaze me how complete failures always seem to land on their feet in the NFL.
Not only did Rex Ryan turn the Jets from an AFC contender into a laughing stock in the blink of an eye, but his public comments were so bizarre that you had to wonder if his mouth was ever connected to his brain.
And Mark Sanchez, after eight games as a replacement for starting Eagles QB Nick Foles, redefined the word “mediocre” with a 4-4 record.
So naturally the buzz is that new Buffalo Bills coach Ryan will reach out to his former Jets QB Sanchez for a reunion in western New York.
Much of Ryan’s initial success will likely depend on how much improvement is seen from the team’s offense, which will be led by offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who spent the past four seasons in the same role with the 49ers.
Yet the team will likely only go as far as their quarterback play allows. Veteran incumbent starter Kyle Orton abruptly retired at the end of the season, leaving disappointing 2013 first round pick E. J. Manuel as the only experienced signal caller on the roster.
The Bills traded their 2015 first round pick in order to move up to snag receiver Sammy Watkins last May, meaning that the Bills don’t really have much in the way of bargaining chips if they want to deal their way into a spot where they could grab a rookie who would be ready to step in as their starter in Week 1.
That leaves the team in the likely position of having to add a veteran free agent quarterback to the roster this offseason. Given the narrow list of experienced unsigned players at the position heading into 2015, Ryan’s best option could end up being someone he’ll be forever linked to during his time with the Jets.
Sanchez, who is only 28 with not 2014 awful stats — 198-309 passes for 2418 yards, 64.1%, 14 TDs, 11 INT, 88.4 QB Rating, 58.24 Total QBR — may be the one.
They deserve each other.
