Dalton Kincaid, a tight end for the Buffalo Bills, has been playing a bigger part in the offense in the latter weeks of the season, and it seems that a longtime veteran has been sacrificed in the process.
Kincaid’s total snaps have been increasing over the last several weeks, surpassing 75% in the last two weeks and receiving 13 targets overall, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Although it was thought that by selecting Kincaid, the team would be able to use veteran Dawson Knox in more two-tight-end sets, Buscaglia pointed out that this hasn’t happened and that Kincaid’s ascent is making Knox play a smaller role.
Buscaglia stated, “The Bills have always liked Knox as a part of their offense.” Knox’s snaps would frequently come at the expense of Kincaid, who is unquestionably the more skilled receiver of the two, in order to keep him active at a comparatively high rate.
The Niagara Gazette’s Nick Sabato also observed the pattern, pointing out that Knox has been “fading” from the offense and is expected to have a season with a career-low output.
Dawson Knox’s Decline
Since joining the Bills in 2019, Knox has contributed significantly to the offense, hauling in 176 passes for 2,013 yards and 23 touchdowns. Josh Allen, the quarterback, developed a fondness for him, particularly in high-pressure scenarios.
However, since returning off injured reserve last season, he has suffered a decline in performance, catching just 22 passes for 186 yards and two scores. Knox has made five receptions for 47 yards and one touchdown in 2024, which is an even worse start to the season. This season, the tight end has also played a career-low 55% of snaps.
This is what I expected to see from Dalton Kincaid in the Bills offense — more often than we do. pic.twitter.com/PfjbXyNEe4
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) October 21, 2024
Although he would want to play more, Knox told reporters earlier this month that he respects the team’s choice.
Knox stated, through Sabato, “I’m just out there trying to do my job.” That, in my opinion, makes this team special. Many of the guys we have prioritize “we” over “me.” Naturally, out of self-interest, I want to go out there and gather 12 personnel to assist. However, that isn’t the point. Placing this team in winning situations is crucial.
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Increasing his position in the offense, Kincaid has caught 24 passes this season for 269 yards and one touchdown.
Bills “Different” Although Dalton Kincaid lacks Knox’s blocking ability, Buscaglia pointed out that “the Bills are a different offense when he’s on the field.” The Bills view Kincaid as a “significant key to their Super Bowl aspirations,” he continued, adding that he can provide the team with a skill set that Knox is no longer able to provide.
In the Bills offense, I thought Dalton Kincaid would do this more frequently than he does.
6:43 p.m. · October 21, 2024 192 Response
“Having Kincaid on the field as much as possible is vitally important for the Bills to become this dynamic offense that can win on the ground and through the air,” Buscaglia wrote. “Knox does not separate as well as Kincaid, and he has a history of dropping passes even when he is open.”
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