Pitt’s Peterman to get 1st start at QB for Bills
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Rather than continue watching his offense muddle through a third consecutive game, Bills coach Sean McDermott jolted his team by making an abrupt change at quarterback.
Tyrod Taylor was benched Wednesday and rookie fifth-round pick Nathan Peterman, a Pitt product, will make his first career start Sunday, when Buffalo (5-4) plays at the Los Angeles Chargers (3-6)
McDermott acknowledged taking a “calculated risk” in making the switch at a time when the Bills have a winning record. They sit sixth in the AFC standings, and control their own destiny in a bid to end a 17-season playoff drought — the longest active streak in North America’s four major professional sports.
“This is about becoming better as a football team,” he said. “As a decision maker, you have to be able to or willing to take calculated risks to get to where we’re trying to go. And I’m comfortable doing that.”
As for the Bills record, the first-year coach said his objective isn’t being a winner in November.
“It is and will be for the time that I’m here be about becoming the best team we can possibly become.”
The quarterback switch comes after Buffalo’s offense and defense were overmatched in a 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
The defense allowed 298 yards and six touchdowns rushing, but the offense played poorly.
Taylor was benched after Buffalo produced 99 yards and four first downs on eight drives. In two series, Peterman finished going 7 of 10 for 79 yards and a touchdown.
Peterman was emotional about his chance.
“It’s a great opportunity, but it’s still all in front of me, and I’ve got to go work to earn it,” he said.
At college, Peterman left Tennessee after two seasons and finished as a two-year starter at Pitt. The Panthers set a school record last year by scoring 532 points, and he finished fourth in the nation in averaging 15.43 yards per completion.