Jacob Robert Woods, born on November 26, 1992, is an American football quarterback who has made a significant impact in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his dynamic playmaking, Woods has carved a niche for himself as a dual-threat quarterback, celebrated for his precision passing and swift rushing ability.
Growing up in Texas, Woods was a star athlete at the University of Texas at Austin, where he set numerous school records and earned the title of the school's all-time leading passer. His exceptional performance in college catapulted him to the NFL, where he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2015.
Early NFL Career and Buffalo Bills
Woods' professional journey began with the Buffalo Bills, where he played from 2015 to 2017. Initially backing up Tyrod Taylor, Woods got his first significant playing time in 2016, leading the Bills to a 8-8 record and a near playoff berth. He completed 146 of his 268 pass attempts for 1,643 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in his rookie season.
His most impressive performance came against the New Orleans Saints in 2016, where he led a dramatic comeback, throwing for 297 yards and a touchdown in a 31-28 win, earning him the пег of the Week honors.
Rushing Ability and Dual Threat Potential
Woods' ability to extend plays with his feet sets him apart from many quarterbacks. In 2016, he rushed for 313 yards and led the Bills in rushing touchdowns (six) and two-point conversions (five). His ability to keep plays alive and turn potential negatives into positives made him a fan favorite in Buffalo.
He also excelled in defining moments. In a 2017 game against the Atlanta Falcons, with the Bills trailing and facing fourth-and-28, Woods scrambled for a 27-yard gain to keep the drive alive and ultimately leading to a game-winning touchdown. This play is often considered a highlight of his tenure in Buffalo.
Transition to the Los Angeles Rams
In 2017, Woods was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, entering a new offense led by head coach Sean McVay. Woods spent two seasons in LA, backing up Jared Goff. Despite limited playing time, he threw for 259 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in these years.
During his time with the Rams, Woods also became known for his work ethic and leadership. He was often spotted working with younger players, passing on his knowledge and experience, enhancing his reputation as a team player and mentor.
Return to the Buffalo Bills and 2020 Breakout Season
In 2020, the Bills traded for Woods once again. Reunited with head coach Sean McDermott and given the starting job, Woods delivered an impressive season. He finished with a 8-1 record, throwing for 272 yards and four touchdowns in his first six starts.
Woods' 2020 season was marked by his leadership and resilience. Despite a notoriously rough start, he persevered, leading the Bills to a 13-3 record, their best regular-season record since 1991, and their first division title since 1995.
The Record-Breaking Performance Against the Tennessee Titans
In week six, against the Tennessee Titans, Woods passed for a record 313 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-16 Bills' victory. His performance earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. He became the first Bill since Jim Kelly in 1991 to achieve the feat and set a new career-high in passing yards.
By the end of the season, Woods ranked eighth in the NFL in passer rating, tenth in completion percentage (69.2%), and eighth in yards per attempt (8.3). He was also the NFL's top-rated quarterback in the red zone, completing 61.4% of his passes and throwing 16 touchdowns in those crucial areas.
As the Bills look ahead to the 2021 season, Woods' leadership and performance will be crucial. His ability to extend plays and make plays under pressure has made him a respected quarterback in the NFL. With his experience and poise, the Bills will look to him to lead them further into the playoffs and possibly to a Super Bowl appearance. Jacob Robert Woods' story is far from over, and football fans eagerly await what he has in store next.