The Buffalo Bills have named former Stanford quaterback Trent Edwards their starter — for good.

Last week, Edwards, a rookie, was named the starter for the Bills games against the Baltimore Ravens, even though J.P. Losman, the Bills’ first string quatrerback, was ready to play after coming back from a sprained left knee.

Coach Dick Jauron, however, refused to name Edwards the starter permanently. Ostensibly, Jauron wanted to give Edwards one more week to prove he deserved the role and Losman an extra few days to recover.

Edwards is 2-1 as a starter — leading the Bills to their only two victories on the year — with his sole loss coming to the Dallas Cowboys, who were undefeated at the time and needed a last-second field goal to beat the Bills.

Though Edwards was far from extraordinary against the Ravens, he did help Buffalo score a season-best 19 points on four separate scoring drives. Under his leadership, the Buffalo offense has improved, scoring more and gaining more yards than they did with Losman under center.

“He passed the ball efficiently, finding guys over the middle. I think he did a really good job of knowing what he’s seeing and just playing,” said star wide receiver Lee Evans in an interview with BuffaloBills.com.

As a result, Edwards, a third round pick in this year’s draft, has relegated Losman, a former first round pick, to the bench. Jauron notified Losman and Edwards of his decision on Tuesday, and the Bills issued a press release shortly thereafter.

This marks the third time in his short career that Losman has lost his starting job. And while the previous two times were to veteran Kelly Holcomb, essentially an interim substitute until Losman could reclaim his job, this move could be more permanent — if Edwards performs well, Losman may never start again for the Bills.

Although Edwards struggled to find success at Stanford — he did not win once last season — he was always regarded as remarkably talented. As a result, he was projected as high as an early second round pick in last year’s draft. But questions about his durability and ability to win eventually arose, and he dropped to the end of the third round.

Edwards certainly has all the tools necessary for NFL success: He’s very mobile (4.76 seconds in the 40 yard dash) for his size (6’3”, 230 pounds) but is poised in the pocket and doesn’t run unless it’s necessary — Losman, another athletic QB, has a habit of running from even the slightest defensive pressure.

Edwards has an above average arm and is smart under center, rarely making a bad throw. This is a stark contrast to Losman who, after throwing numerous times into double, sometimes triple coverage, became infamous for his questionable decision-making.

On the year, Edwards has passed for 660 yards at a 66% completion rate. He has thrown one touchdown and four interceptions.

His next game will be against the disappointing New York Jets this Sunday. Edwards beat the Jets in his first game as a starter and should expect to beat them again this weekend.

“That’s what every franchise wants. You want one guy who leads your team,” Jauron told the Associated Press. In Buffalo, that “one guy” has been chosen.

Apparently, the Trent Edwards era starts now.