NFL Notes: Bills, Panthers, Ravens, & Redskins

Bills

• According to Jason Cole of B/R, the Bills’ coaching staff is “divided” over who should be the starting quarterback.
• HC Rex Ryan is reportedly tempted to start Tyrod Taylor and believes his big-play ability could change the outcome of games.
• However, there are others on the team’s staff who believe veteran QB Matt Cassel has been more consistent and is less prone to making mistakes.
• There’s a belief that the Bills’ defense and running game could actually mitigate Taylor’s big-play ability, and make Cassel a safer bet as long as he can prevent turnovers.

Panthers

• Field Yates of ESPN takes a look at some speculative options for the Panthers for replacing Kelvin Benjamin.
• If they were to look at free agents, Yates lists Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and Donnie Avery as the best available options.
• However, if they were to get involved in the trade market, Yates thinks it would make sense for them to call the Colts about Donte Moncrief and Duron Carter, who are both fighting for playing time in the team’s offense.

Ravens

Ravens G Kelechi Osemele acknowledged that it would be tough for him to be available for the team’s Week 1 match up.

“If I had to play a game, it’d be tough,” Osemele said, via the Baltimore Sun. “I don’t know. We’ll see.”

• Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun can no longer say with certainty that WR Marlon Brown is a lock to make the Ravens’ 53-man roster.
• This would likely come down to the play of WRs Michael Campanaro, Jeremy Butler, Tom Nelson, and Darren Waller, as well as Brown’s ability to stay healthy.
• According to Zrebiec, fifth-round TE Nick Boyle has made “far more” plays in the passing game than second-round pick Maxx Williams.

Redskins

• Jason Cole of B/R reports that the Redskins’ coaching staff is aware that team owner Dan Snyder will ultimately make the decision as to whether or not keep QB Robert Griffin III under his fifth-year option.
• HC Jay Gruden is still expected to keep RGIII in place as the team’s starter once the regular season is underway.