With the Jets-Bills Week 17 game out of reach late, veteran QB Tyrod Taylor replaced Aaron Rodgers early in the fourth quarter. Taylor produced a spark completing 11-of-14 attempts for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 40-14 loss Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.
“I don’t know what led to the decision for me to come in, but I just stayed ready like any other game and got in,” Taylor said. “And when your number is called, you have to go out there and perform. It was nice to put some plays on film.”
The Bills led the Jets 40-0 when Taylor took his first snap with 12:37 remaining in the fourth quarter. Using his scrambling ability and quick decision-making, he led the offense on 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on his first series.
“As a quarterback, you get in rhythm when you get a completion,” Taylor said. “I saw the first one get caught and after that I just wanted to create some energy. Obviously, I am in the huddle, somewhere where I haven’t been the whole game, so I wanted to get something going and the guys responded well.”
The drive ended with a 9-yard touchdown strike from Taylor to WR Garrett Wilson in the front right corner of the end zone. Taylor made a quick read and fired the pass to Wilson, who had his right hand held down by the defender, used only his left hand to pin the ball to his chest and come down with score. The TD marked Wilson’s seventh of the season.
“They brought Cover 0 a couple of times towards the end of the first drive,” Taylor said. “One of them I had to throw away but then the second one I wanted to give him a chance. Garrett is one of the better receivers in this league, and you give him a 50-50 chance, it becomes more 80-20 when he is around it. I gave him a chance and he made a play.”