C.J. Spiller Speaks on Differences Between EJ Manuel and Kyle Orton as QBs

Quarterback EJ Manuel lost his starting job with the Buffalo Bills in 2014, and running back C.J. Spiller shed some light on why the 2013 first-round pick's initial stint as an NFL starter didn't work out Tuesday.

According to ESPN.com's Mike Rodak, the free-agent-to-be revealed on NFL Network that the former Florida State signal-caller struggled to command the huddle like eventual replacement Kyle Orton did.

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I think the biggest thing that he learned was when Kyle came in and took over, I think he learned you can't be buddy-buddy with everybody. You the face of the franchise. You the quarterback. So you have to demand certain things—you have to demand everything. You have to let the receivers know where they should be if they want to get the ball. You have the let the running back know, 'This is where the blitz is coming from. I need you to get over there and pick it up.' I think early on, he just really didn't understand how to step on guys' toes. Once Kyle took over, he seen how Kyle did it, and that kinda helped him.

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The Bills went 7-5 with Orton under center, but the veteran decided to call it a career at the conclusion of the season. That leaves Manuel as then only viable starting option on the roster currently, although Buffalo will almost certainly address the situation in free agency and potentially in the 2015 NFL draft as well.

Manuel's career numbers are modest at best through 14 career starts, but as seen in this graphic courtesy of Sportsnet's Justin Dunk, it takes time for even the best quarterbacks to develop:

Spiller also praised Manuel's work ethic, and while he may not be in Buffalo to see it happen in 2015, he feels the young signal-caller can be the franchise guy the Bills hoped he would be when they drafted him, per Rodak.

"I hope he will," Spiller said. "I think he has everything he needs to be a successful quarterback. I think if Buffalo gives him a chance, he can definitely (lead) the organization."

The Bills have one of the NFL's best defenses, and their roster as whole may be good enough to end a playoff drought that has lasted since 1999.

As is often the case, though, it will likely come down to the play of the quarterback whether it's Manuel or someone else.

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