The Buffalo Bills offense has been one of the best in the NFL so far this season, and a big reason why is the play of its top tight end. Dalton Kincaid has been fantastic lately.
And don’t just take our word for it: that is exactly how New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel described him ahead of the two teams’ Week 4 matchup.
“Kincaid has been fantastic lately, averaging almost 19 yards a catch,” Vrabel said earlier this week.
Vrabel’s description of the 26-year-old makes sense. He has, indeed,
been a productive player for the Bills and one of quarterback Josh Allen’s most trusted targets this season.
Kincaid ranks first on the team with 14 receptions — including one for a touchdown — and trails only wide receiver D.J. Moore in total targets through three games. His 263 receiving yards and 18.8-yard average per catch, meanwhile, are not just the most on the Bills, but also lead all NFL tight ends heading into the fourth week of the season.
How the Patriots plan to keep him in check will be seen, but they have so far been quite successful going against tight ends. In their first three games, the position group has gained just 84 yards on 10 catches against defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr’s unit.
That being said, as Patriots safety Kevin Byard explained, the “tight end” label might actually not be the best way to describe what Kincaid provides.
“I see him as a wide receiver. The things they do with him are as a wide receiver,” Byard said.
“He’s going to be split out wide, when they have two tight ends out there, he runs receiver routes. I mean, shoot, he’s their top target right now. When you look at his stats, it’s not normal tight end stats. Josh Allen trusts him. He’s going up with great body control, going up attacking the football. He’s a dynamic player and we’re going to have to contain him.”
