The Buffalo Bills’ decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Greg Roman raised eyebrows on Friday, and coach Rex Ryan is taking full responsibility for the move.
On Friday, Ryan told reporters that the decision to fire Roman and promote assistant Anthony Lynn to offensive coordinator was his and his alone.
“This is my move, without question,” Ryan said via ESPN’s Mike Rodak, while also confirming that he met with team owners Terry and Kim Pegula to confirm the move.
“I think we need a change,” Ryan said. “I think we have a lot of talent on offense. I believe that. I believe we’re going to do what we can to put the ball in our playmakers’ hands. I think Anthony will do that.”
One of the things Ryan appears to be targeting is an increased focus on keeping quarterback Tyrod Taylor in the pocket and throwing the football.
“I believe [Taylor’s] ability as a drop-back quarterback, as a quarterback that’s athletic, we can do things with,” Ryan said. “I think he’s a rare talent. We have to do things that I think will showcase those abilities a little bit. He has some unique abilities.”
Ryan also defended himself against charges that it was the defense, not the offense, that was the real scapegoat, at least in the team’s Week 2 loss to the Jets.
“I understand [the question],” Ryan said. “Certainly the defense has to improve. There’s no doubt about that. But this, I think if it was appropriate to do something else, then I would have. To me, I thought this was the move that I felt that we needed to make to help our team moving forward.”
Roman was pretty obviously scapegoated with the Bills fearing an 0-4 start. We’ll see if it works, because if it doesn’t, Ryan himself is probably the next one on the chopping block.
