Ryan Fitzpatrick: 7 Reasons He May Be Buffalo Bills' Quarterback of the Future

Throughout the season, Buffalo Bills fans have enjoyed the leadership and production that Ryan Fitzpatrick has brought to the team despite a 3-10 record, which would give the Bills the No. 3 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, behind the 1-12 Carolina Panthers and the 2-11 Cincinnati Bengals.

Since the season's start, everyone hoped and believed that the Bills would have an opportunity to select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, not only the top-rated quarterback in the nation, but also the highest ranked prospect in the entire NCAA.

But does Ryan Fitzpatrick have the tools to take the Bills over the hump? This slideshow presents seven reasons why Fitzpatrick may be able to assist the Bills in making it over the proverbial hump.

Fitzpatrick May Be 28 Years Old, but Not 28-Year-Old Wear and Tear

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills hands off to C.J. Spiller #21 against the Cleveland Browns at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo won 13-6. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty I

It is common knowledge that premier quarterbacks in the National Football League hit their prime between 24 and 26 years old, so Ryan Fitzpatrick's age has been a major question in whether he has the body to endure more grueling seasons.

At 28 years old, Fitzpatrick has appeared in 38 games in his five-year career, with 20 of those in the past two seasons. For the first three years of his career, he only appeared in 18 games, an average of six games per year, and many were as a backup.

Despite the wear and tear that most quarterbacks take on a weekly basis, Fitzpatrick has really only experienced two full seasons of full-time play in the NFL.

Harvard Equals Intelligence—On and Off the Field

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: Terrell Owens #81 and Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills celebrate Fitzpatrick's 31 yard touchdown run against the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 29, 2009 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Ri

While most quarterbacks in the National Football League have that big-time, No. 1 receiver that they turn to no matter what, Ryan Fitzpatrick spreads the wealth.

This year, six wide receivers on the Buffalo Bills have caught at least 20 passes. Fitz's intelligence and knowledge of the game enable him to adequately read his progressions and make quick decisions.

Fitz Loves to Use His Feet

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills dives but fails to convert a first down against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Unlike Fitzpatrick's predecessor, Trent Edwards, he never shies away from using his legs to make plays. On the year, he has moved the chains countless times, rushing 32 times for 187 yards.

Players will rally behind a leader who they can rely on to make plays on his own, while not being afraid of the beating that he takes each and every down.

The Stats Don't Lie

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills stands at the line against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laha

Prior to the 2010 season, Trent Edwards was named the starter, with Fitzpatrick competing with Brian Brohm and Levi Brown for the backup positions.

Now, in leading the Bills to a 3-8 record, Fitzpatrick has completed 58.3 percent of his passes for 2,384 yards, throwing 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

He is the first Bills quarterback to throw 20 touchdowns since 2004, when Drew Bledsoe did the same while passing for 2,932 yards.

His 84.5 quarterback rating isn't too shabby either.

The Bills May Not Have a Chance at Andrew Luck

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PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal in action against the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

If the season ended today, the Bills would be picking fourth, behind the Carolina Panthers (1-12), the Cincinnati Bengals (2-11) and the Detroit Lions (3-10).

Carolina used its second overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft on Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen, just months after naming Matt Moore the starter and releasing Jake Delhomme.

Cincinnati does need a quarterback, but Carson Palmer, a former No. 1 overall pick, is still owed millions in guaranteed money, and the Bengals have multiple holes to fill as well. It is very plausible for a quarterback-needy team to trade up into the top three and snatch Luck away from the Bills.

Chan Gailey Said So

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 31: Head coach Chan Gailey of the Buffalo Bills talks on the sidelines with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 31, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (P

Chan Gailey was so impressed with Ryan Fitzpatrick that he allowed Trent Edwards to be cut just two games into the season.

Weeks ago, when asked about Fitzpatrick's chance at being the starting quarterback in the 2011 season, he replied, "Why wouldn't he be?"

Gailey has spoken on numerous occasions about the skills and leadership qualities that Fitzpatrick holds and says, "It would be stupid to think otherwise at this point."

Five Plays Make the Bills 8-5 Instead of 3-10

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Steve Johnson #13 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after dropping a pass in the end zone during overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Karl Wa

Play No. 1: Bills rallying against the New England Patriots, and Ryan Fitzpatrick throws a game-ending interception to Brandon Meriweather. Game over.

Play No. 2: Fitzpatrick completes a pass to tight end Shawn Nelson in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens. Every one of the 22 men on the field is in on the skirmish, and Nelson is visibly being pushed back. No whistle. The ball pops out. Ravens ball. Game over.

Play No. 3: The Bills rally to bring the Kansas City Chiefs to overtime despite allowing over 200 yards of rushing on the ground. They drive down the field and line up for a field goal. Rian Lindell misses it wide left. Game over.

Play No. 4: Once again, the Bills are in a tight game, this time against the Chicago Bears. Down four points late in the fourth quarter, Fitzpatrick throws an interception. Game over.

Play No. 5: Overtime. The Bills have the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fitzpatrick drops back and throws a beautiful pass to wide receiver Stevie Johnson, who has completely smoked both the cornerback and safety covering him. He drops the ball in the end zone, and what do you know? Pittsburgh goes down the field to score. Game over.