Fitzpatrick is better than years past but still not good enough.

Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo courtesy of Buffalobills.com



Buffalo Bills starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is his giving best performances of his career posting a 99.9 passer rating in his three games of 2010 but still doesn't pose a formidable threat.

The six year backup had the opportunity to play in ten games last season with the Bills but only threw nine touchdowns and ten interceptions.

This year he has faced overrated defenses like the New England Patriots and New York Jets who supposedly pride themselves on stopping the opponent's passing efforts but don't deliver on that hype and the Jacksonville Jaguars who are a laughing stock that makes quarterbacks and offensive coordinators smile when studying them on game film. The Jets and Patriots are ranked 22nd and 29th in pass defense respectively while the Jaguars fall in at 28 in that category.
Needless to say Fitzpatricks' competition has been less than stellar allowing him to post decent numbers. Seven touchdown passes, two interceptions and 595 passing yards in three games are impressive but inflated figures considering the stats listed above.

This Sunday he faces the Baltimore Ravens who are sitting at number three in pass defense and allow 175 passing yards/game.

Besides allowing Kyle Orton of the Denver Broncos to throw for 314 yards, the team has otherwise kept "name brand" quarterbacks in check. Last week Tom Brady led the Patriots to victory but in a gritty fashion throwing two interceptions, one thrown to Chris Carr in the beginning of the third quarter and one thrown to Ken Hamlin at the end of the fourth quarter.

Even though still tentative, the return of Ed Reed would be a huge confidence booster for the rest of the defense who may feel more liberated to take risks knowing they have a player of Reed's caliber standing behind them (literally).

This is the bad news for Fitzpatrick who has neither lost or won games for his (0-5) squad. I expect Fitzpatrick to use his mobility to make a few plays but not enough to worry anyone sporting a purple bird on their helmet.