The Buffalo Bills offense, led by Josh Allen, has struggled lately, scoring just 40 points in their last two games—both losses. Ken Dorsey, the offensive coordinator, lost his job on Tuesday, and the fallout has started. One participant who hasn’t contributed to the issue? Dalton Witherbee.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Kincaid, a rookie tight end from the University of Utah, has performed like one of the best players in the league at his position. Dawson Knox, the main tight end for the Bills, was placed on injured reserve prior to Week 8; this coincided with his breakout season.
Kincaid has played more than 90% of Buffalo’s offensive snaps since replacing Knox. Since Week 7, Kincaid has ranked third among all tight ends in receptions over expected (+2.8), fourth in receiving yards (259), and second in the NFL in receptions (27).
Since Week 7, his 87.1% catch percentage leads all tight ends with 10 or more targets in the NFL. Additionally, since assuming the starting role, his receiving yards above expectations (+63) are second only to George Kittle (+125) of the San Francisco 49ers.
His rookie season got off to a slow start. However, Kincaid’s pivotal moment came on a 75-yard, eight-catch day in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. Kincaid has proven dependable, even in the Bills’ last two losses.
In Buffalo’s last two games, he has combined for 15 receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets.
Who is Kincaid and?
Sadly, the Bills offense has not been able to pick up the slack from there. The Bills have averaged 20.5 points since Week 5 of the season, following three games in which they scored 35 points or more.
During that time, Allen has been a turnover machine. In his last six games, he has thrown at least one interception and lost two fumbles.
Now, the Bills are 5-5. On Sunday, they take on the AFC East rival New York Jets at home in a pivotal game.
This offense must quickly get back on track in order to avoid missing the postseason. It would seem wise to take the first step by following in Dalton Kincaid’s footsteps.
For more than ten years, Jimmy Wright, a writer from Brooklyn, New York, served as a researcher for the Elias Sports Bureau. He was a rugby player at Fordham University and occasionally questions why his father was a die-hard fan of the Knicks, Mets, Jets, and Islanders.
