After Philip Rivers left for Indianapolis, everyone expected the Chargers to draft a quarterback. Even Tyrod Taylor.
“I thought the Chargers would take a quarterback,” Taylor said Friday, via ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry. “But it never necessarily changed my mindset or my year-round attack.”
The Chargers selected Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert with the sixth pick overall. Coach Anthony Lynn recently conceded the obvious: Herbert “can’t make up the physical reps” he missed due to the restricted offseason, so Taylor “likely” will start the first game of the season.
Taylor’s lifespan depends on the way he plays, the offense, and the team.
“I was drafted in the sixth round and even on the day I was drafted, I always had the mentality to prepare as a starter,” said Taylor, who is entering his 10th season in the NFL. “So whatever the circumstances, this is how I stay in it mentally, and this is how I mentally prepare myself.”
Taylor is in a familiar place as a bridge quarterback. The Browns traded with the Bills for Taylor in 2017 before drafting Baker Mayfield.
Taylor started the season but was diagnosed with a head injury in week three. Mayfield led the Browns to their first win since 2016, and the rest was no mystery.
“A lot of things that happened in Cleveland were beyond my control, but I’ve never changed my attitude towards what I can do and towards the team,” said Taylor. “To move forward towards this one, whether it’s considered the same circumstances, I focus on what I can control, and it’s me who brings my ‘A’ game every day, being a leader and bringing great energy to the building.
