Taylor can change his legacy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Benched earlier this season and questioned for years, Tyrod Taylor has a chance to change public perception on the NFL’s playoff stage.

Taylor helped Buffalo end the longest, current postseason drought in North American pro sports (17 years) and a win his next game could do wonders for his image.

The Jaguars (10-6) host the Bills (9-7) in an AFC wild-card game Sunday, a win- or- gohome matchup that means as much to Taylor.

The Bills were in talks with free agent Brian Hoyer in March and ready to part ways with Taylor until he agreed to restructure his contract extension and make it a two-year deal worth $30.5 million. He has one year remaining, but the team could save $10 million by moving on after this season.

No one would be surprised to see it happen, especially after coach Sean McDermott benched Taylor in favor of rookie Nathan Peterman in November. Peterman threw five first-half interceptions in a 54-24 loss to the Chargers, and Taylor has been the team’s starter since.

“I don’t focus on things that I can’t control, and I’m going to continue to be that way,” said Taylor, who has 14 touchdown passes and four interceptions this season. “All I can control right now is my preparation, my focus, my work ethic to putting it all in for this week. It’s a one-game season right now, and that’s for everyone.

“I can’t allow distractions or thinking too far ahead.”

Bills running back LeSean McCoy is questionable with a right ankle injury. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported “the belief is” McCoy will play. McCoy said he was feeling “a lot better” Thursday but declined to make any guarantees about playing. McCoy accounts for nearly a third of Buffalo’s offense. Jaguars defensive tackle Marcell Dareus insists he harbors no ill will toward his former team. His actions might say otherwise. The 340-pound runstopper will face the Bills for the first time since they traded him in October for a late-round draft pick.