INDIANAPOLIS -- Don't be surprised if EJ Manuel isn't under center for the Buffalo Bills by next Halloween.
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, coach Doug Marrone said his team can go in any direction at the position.
With quarterbacks coach Todd Downing and senior offensive assistant Jim Hostler joining offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, the Bills believe they can get production whether they stick with Manuel, sign a veteran free agent or draft another quarterback.
Marrone is still high on Manuel, who showed positive signs between knee injuries as a rookie. If the 2013 first-rounder stumbles, though, it sounds like the Bills want to have a better backup plan in place this season.
Here's what else we learned from Marrone on Thursday:
» Asked about a timeline for a decision on impending free agent Jairus Byrd's future, Marrone said it was a question better asked of general manager Doug Whaley or the Pro Bowl safety himself.
» If full health is measured at "110 percent," Marrone acknowledged that C.J. Spiller was never at that level while dealing with a "nagging" high-ankle sprain in 2013.
» Much to the dismay of fantasy footballers, Marrone reiterated his preference for a two-running back system.
On the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys speculate on big names who could be cut, then talk offseason forecasts for the Packers and Raiders.
