3. Running backs and tight ends leading Buffalo’s offense
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady believes in the importance of establishing the run game early, but that’s not the only thing he wants to get going from the start of the game. The Bills’ pass game continues developing and evolving throughout the season, highlighting two key position groups: the tight ends and running backs.
“You want to be a two-dimensional offense. You want to stretch the field horizontally, stretch it vertically when you can as well. Getting those guys involved. Great, great scheme. Great game plan by the offensive staff,” McDermott said. “Last couple of weeks in particular … Josh has been very disciplined in taking what the defense has given him. I think that’s been a big part of our success, just holistically. So, like anything else, we’re a work in progress as we continue to grow on that side of the ball as well.”
Dawson Knox was second in receiving against New England with three receptions, 37 yards and two touchdowns. Dalton Kincaid was right behind him with three receptions for 34 yards. Against Cincinnati, Knox led the team in receiving with six catches for 93 yards. He also caught the successful two-point conversion attempt. Kincaid had four receptions for 41 yards and one touchdown in Week 14.
Though Jackson Hawes is mainly used as a blocker, he gets his moments in the pass game. He had one reception for 13 yards on Sunday, and one touchdown reception against Cincinnati.
Combined, the three tight ends had 18 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns from Weeks 14 and 15.
Running backs James Cook and Ty Johnson have also been targeted in the passing game during important drives in the last several weeks. On Sunday against the Patriots, Cook had a receiving touchdown in the second quarter. This was the first of five consecutive touchdown-scoring drives and put Buffalo on the board for the first time. Running backs Ty Johnson and Ray Davis also had catches. Johnson went three-for-three on his targets.
The two position groups are first in the NFL with 687 yards after catch and second in the NFL with 1,015 receiving yards since Week 8. The tight ends and running backs are also tied for first in the league with nine touchdown receptions in that same time frame.
