Matt Cassel will get the first opportunity to prove to the Buffalo Bills that he should be the starting quarterback this season. The veteran will start Buffalo's preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night.
Engaged in a three-way competition for the starting gig with EJ Manuel and Tyrod Taylor, Cassel was acquired from the Minnesota Vikings in a trade back in March. Since joining the Bills, reports regarding Cassel's performance during off-season activities were not good. In fact, there had been some speculation that he would be a training camp casualty. Despite this, Buffalo is giving him the first crack at the all-important job.
While this should be an indication that Cassel is the leader in the clubhouse right now, the decision regarding Buffalo's starting job is far from being made. First-year head coach Rex Ryan has indicated multiple times in the past that he might not name a starter until right before the team's regular season opener.
In all honesty, it's not really about who starts the first preseason game. The quarterback that gets the start for the third game—one that usually plays the starters the most—might very well end up starting Week 1.
For the Bills, it's all about finding a starter that can manage a game without turning the ball over. They have an elite-level defense and potentially one of the best running games in the business with LeSean McCoy. Quarterback is the one weak spot. If no one stands out in camp, it could end up being a major issue during the regular year.