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Well, so much for the idea that the Buffalo Bills might change their starting quarterback on Sunday: Doug Marrone announced on Tuesday that Kyle Orton will start in Week 17 against the New England Patriots.
"Right now, we still feel like he gives us the best chance to win from a standpoint of efficiency, control, things of that nature than EJ or Jeff or anyone other quarterback we have," Marrone explained (via ESPN.com).
The Bills were officially eliminated from playoff contention with last Sunday's road loss to the Oakland Raiders, fueling some speculation that the team would take one last look at former first-round pick EJ Manuel under center before making some major decisions at that position this offseason. Instead, Marrone stuck with the veteran Orton as part of a "doing everything we possibly can to win this game" approach.
Manuel opened the season as the starter, piloting a 2-2 outfit but largely struggling while Orton, signed on August 29, familiarized himself with the offense. Since taking over the starting job in Week 5, Orton has helmed the Bills to a 6-5 overall record.
The 8-7 Bills take on the 12-3 Patriots, the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff bracket, at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.