The reemergence of Gabriel Davis??

[Special K]

With the Knox injury, I believe Davis will be the recipient of increased playing time, and be expected to pick up the slack for the loss of Knox’s production. I believe Davis is more than capable of helping to keep this offense performing at a high level while Knox is out, and I predict a few big games for Davis in the coming weeks.....who’s with me??

[Warcodered]

I mean if Knox has been playing in the slot Beasley would probably have a resurgence either way one less top target is an opportunity for the back end guys.

[Joe Ferguson]

Jake Kumerow will play TE.

[LeGOATski]

I expect the Bills to plug in Sweeney and not change too much. They're kinda stubborn in that way.

[davefan66]

7 minutes ago, Joe Ferguson said:

Jake Kumerow will play TE.

See Kumerow stepping in to that roll for sure.

 

Be kinda cool if he excels so we have 2 viable NFL TE’s.

[Don Otreply]

Just now, LeGOATski said:

I expect the Bills to plug in Sweeney and not change too much. They're kinda stubborn in that way.

This, ^^^
 

This is pretty likely, that and remember, Sweeney has good hands as a receiver, (TD in the last game) he’s not Knox athletic wise, but he’s not as big a liability as some may think, jmo

[billsfan89]

They probably will use more 4 wide but I still expect them to try and run their offense with Sweeney. But I do see Davis getting more snaps and targets, the Bills would be foolish not to adjust their gameplan to feature him more and the TE less.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Think it will be a little of all of the above, more Davis going 4 wide, and Kumerow and Sweeney as the TE.

 

If one works heads and shoulders better than the other options, may see more of that, but again will depend on opponent too.

[WideNine]

2 hours ago, Joe Ferguson said:

Jake Kumerow will play TE.

 

I think Kumerow and Davis will be in the mix - Sweeny may get more reps too as he was starting to see some playing time.

 

Will be interesting to see who they keep active each game - the Bills are deep enough at receiver that they have options that they can leverage to fill in for Knox. Sucks a bit in regards to the chemistry Allen was building with him, but we should get Knox back for the stretch run and gives some other guys on the bench a chance to showcase what they can bring.

 

 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

I agree. For a couple of games the 4WR set will be our best offense. Maybe even some two back setsand throw to the running backs.  Sweeney has shown nothing and neither has Gilliam. The less they are on the field the better.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

3 hours ago, Special K said:

With the Knox injury, I believe Davis will be the recipient of increased playing time, and be expected to pick up the slack for the loss of Knox’s production. I believe Davis is more than capable of helping to keep this offense performing at a high level while Knox is out, and I predict a few big games for Davis in the coming weeks.....who’s with me??

was thinking the exact same thing. The Knox injury is a blessing in disguise, giving Davis more snaps and hopefully allowing us to get more production out of the 4-WR sets. 

[John from Riverside]

I’m expecting this actually I think that a lot of places that would’ve gone to Gabe Davis ended up going to Knox because they rewarding him for better play

 

[Scott7975]

Possibly.  We are on a stretch of games where I think they can test some offensive stuff out and tune up for the playoffs.

[Big Turk]

3 hours ago, Joe Ferguson said:

Jake Kumerow will play TE.

 

I doubt it...there is no way he will be able to handle his blocking assignments.

[4BillsintheBurgh]

DUUUUUUUKKKEEEEEEE!!!!!

[atlbillsfan1975]

5 hours ago, Joe Ferguson said:

Jake Kumerow will play TE.

I could see this injury as an opportunity for Daboll to use some interesting personnel alignments. Some that could be useful over the next couple of weeks with Knox out and then used later in the year to catch teams off guard. 

Edited October 24, 2021 by atlbillsfan1975

[JohnNord]

6 hours ago, Special K said:

With the Knox injury, I believe Davis will be the recipient of increased playing time, and be expected to pick up the slack for the loss of Knox’s production. I believe Davis is more than capable of helping to keep this offense performing at a high level while Knox is out, and I predict a few big games for Davis in the coming weeks.....who’s with me??

Do people not realize that Gabriel Davis is a WR and not a TE?

[Scott7975]

13 minutes ago, JohnNord said:

Do people not realize that Gabriel Davis is a WR and not a TE?

 

Yes but Sweeney is not Knox.  Knox being out could mean different personal on the field more often.

[Special K]

55 minutes ago, JohnNord said:

Do people not realize that Gabriel Davis is a WR and not a TE?

 

I was assuming that we are all knowledgeable enough about the Bills to understand that the switch from Knox to Davis would mean a switch from 3 WR to 4 WR formations to not need to mention it.

[LABILLBACKER]

9 hours ago, billsfan89 said:

They probably will use more 4 wide but I still expect them to try and run their offense with Sweeney. But I do see Davis getting more snaps and targets, the Bills would be foolish not to adjust their gameplan to feature him more and the TE less.

Couldn't agree more,  I hate seeing Gabe's talents rot on the sideline.

[billsfan89]

6 minutes ago, LABILLBACKER said:

Couldn't agree more,  I hate seeing Gabe's talents rot on the sideline.

It speaks to the depth of the team. But I do think that they need to get Gabe more involved in the absence of Knox.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

10 hours ago, Special K said:

With the Knox injury, I believe Davis will be the recipient of increased playing time, and be expected to pick up the slack for the loss of Knox’s production. I believe Davis is more than capable of helping to keep this offense performing at a high level while Knox is out, and I predict a few big games for Davis in the coming weeks.....who’s with me??

 

Knox has been taking 80% of the offensive snaps to block in the backfield or run block.  Gabe can block downfield decently but not in the backfield.

So no, Davis is not interchangeable for Knox, and we're likely to see more of Sweeney or Gilliam

 

[Don Otreply]

8 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

I agree. For a couple of games the 4WR set will be our best offense. Maybe even some two back setsand throw to the running backs.  Sweeney has shown nothing and neither has Gilliam. The less they are on the field the better.

The guy comes back from severe Covid complications, works his way back into playing time, has very good hands, catches a TD pass in our last game,  he can block, and this is the nothing you speak of?? Ethan, nuthin but luv, but  you are off base with your take, 

 

Go Bills!!!

[Ethan in Cleveland]

1 hour ago, Don Otreply said:

The guy comes back from severe Covid complications, works his way back into playing time, has very good hands, catches a TD pass in our last game,  he can block, and this is the nothing you speak of?? Ethan, nuthin but luv, but  you are off base with your take, 

 

Go Bills!!!

Props for him coming back and winning a roster spot. He has 12 career catches so we really have no idea if he has good hands. I haven't noticed his blocking good or bad.

If he is as good as you say then just plug and play. I wish him luck but I'd still give Davis more plays.  BTW I'd play Sweeney over Kumerow.

[Thurman#1]

7 hours ago, Scott7975 said:

 

Yes but Sweeney is not Knox.  Knox being out could mean different personal on the field more often.

 

 

Even before Knox was Knox they were more efficient and effective last year in 11 formations. IMO we'll see more of Sweeney and Gilliam. 

 

We'll see.

[Scott7975]

Just now, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

Even before Knox was Knox they were more efficient and effective last year in 11 formations. IMO we'll see more of Sweeney and Gilliam. 

 

We'll see.

 

We shall see what Daboll does.  I suspect this will probably be the case for at least part of next week so he can get a look at those guys.

[Thurman#1]

36 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

Props for him coming back and winning a roster spot. He has 12 career catches so we really have no idea if he has good hands. I haven't noticed his blocking good or bad.

If he is as good as you say then just plug and play. I wish him luck but I'd still give Davis more plays.  BTW I'd play Sweeney over Kumerow.

 

 

 

Sweeney's hands:

 

"Hands - Showcases soft, natural and reliable hands. Greets the football with proper technique and hauls it in cleanly. Capable of extending in any direction and plucking it. Does well to hang on through traffic. Catching the football looks easy for him. "

 

https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/tommy-sweeney

 

 

 

"Strengths:

 

"Reliable hands"

 

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tommy-sweeney/32005357-4539-3041-578e-743d87b9a544

 

 

 

"—Sure-handed player with limited drops after some struggles early in his career."

 

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2824112-tommy-sweeney-nfl-draft-2019-scouting-report-for-buffalo-bills-pick

 

 

 

Hands have not been considered any kind of problem for him, as these pre-draft evals show. Athleticism is a different story, and he wasn't considered an especially good blocker, though he's willing and has since improved.

 

Edited October 25, 2021 by Thurman#1

[CSBill]

Kumero has been used a lot as an inline blocker. I think we'll see more of him and Gilliam, but Sweeney will be TE#1 for the next few weeks.

[JohnNord]

8 hours ago, Special K said:

 

I was assuming that we are all knowledgeable enough about the Bills to understand that the switch from Knox to Davis would mean a switch from 3 WR to 4 WR formations to not need to mention it.

I don’t really think that’s the case though.  Sanders is the player who has taken snaps away from Davis….not Knox.  I think you’ll see more Beasley in his absence.  

[Matt_In_NH]

Maybe they go a little more 10 with Knox out.....maybe but I tend to doubt it....if they do it would be more gameplan specific I think  They want to commit to the run somewhat and keep defenses guessing a little, not sure that is wrong.  He is not a TE by any stretch.

[Don Otreply]

9 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

Props for him coming back and winning a roster spot. He has 12 career catches so we really have no idea if he has good hands. I haven't noticed his blocking good or bad.

If he is as good as you say then just plug and play. I wish him luck but I'd still give Davis more plays.  BTW I'd play Sweeney over Kumerow.

Sweeney has hands at least as good as Knox does now, those twelve catches show as much, and yes I would play Sweeney over TDJ as well.  Frankly as long as Sweeney continues catch what’s thrown to him the drop off will be on the YAC end of things, and maybe then not as much as some may think, jmo.

 

Go Bills!!!

[TFBillsfan]

Would love to see Gabriel more involved. However, I’m expecting Gilliam will be on the field more with Knox out due to his blocking. Either way I want to see improvement in the red zone. It’s been a combo of things but the playcalling has become questionable once they get to the opponents 20. 

[SCBills]

That Steelers game definitely left it's mark on me caring to see 4-wide this year.  If we had a better OL, sure, go for it... but I have no interest in Allen being exposed back there like he was Week One.  

 

I know none of these teams we play while Knox is out have the Steelers Defense, but I like the ability to keep an extra blocker in when needed and I'd like to see what we have in Sweeney/Gilliam tbh. 

 

Edited October 25, 2021 by SCBills

[Hapless Bills Fan]

6 hours ago, CSBill said:

Kumero has been used a lot as an inline blocker.

 

Really?  When?

 

He's blocked in the backfield at times - he's good.  He's blocked downfield.  But I haven't seen Kumerow used as an inline blocker (meaning, in line with the 5 OLmen) like, Ever. 

 

I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just saying I haven't seen it,  so if you could point me to the games/plays where you did, I'd be obliged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GunnerBill]

8 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Really?  When?

 

He's blocked in the backfield at times - he's good.  He's blocked downfield.  But I haven't seen Kumerow used as an inline blocker (meaning, in line with the 5 OLmen) like, Ever. 

 

I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just saying I haven't seen it,  so if you could point me to the games/plays where you did, I'd be obliged.

 

 

 

I think he only played 1 snap vs KC. The one where Josh tried to throw him the ball on 3rd down.

 

I haven't seen him as an in-line blocker either 

 

[maryland-bills-fan]

21 hours ago, WideNine said:

 

I think Kumerow and Davis will be in the mix - Sweeny may get more reps too as he was starting to see some playing time.

 

Will be interesting to see who they keep active each game - the Bills are deep enough at receiver that they have options that they can leverage to fill in for Knox. Sucks a bit in regards to the chemistry Allen was building with him, but we should get Knox back for the stretch run and gives some other guys on the bench a chance to showcase what they can bring.

 

 

...and increase their value in a trade qor in possible compensation if they leave as a FA. ALSO, quality FA's get extra motivation to come here to enhance their resume.

[maryland-bills-fan]

Gilliam is 6-4 and 244 pounds.  Kumero is 209 pounds.    Tight ends are ususally > 240 pounds.  Gilliam could line up in the backfield as a pass blocker or runner or then go to a position on the o line.  A couple of options there.

[CSBill]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I think he only played 1 snap vs KC. The one where Josh tried to throw him the ball on 3rd down.

 

I haven't seen him as an in-line blocker either 

 

 

2 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Really?  When?

 

He's blocked in the backfield at times - he's good.  He's blocked downfield.  But I haven't seen Kumerow used as an inline blocker (meaning, in line with the 5 OLmen) like, Ever. 

 

I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just saying I haven't seen it,  so if you could point me to the games/plays where you did, I'd be obliged.

 

 

Well, by in-line I mean lined up with the line as/with/near the TE position, and the slot (I was not saying he is one of the five o-lineman). Maybe I am seeing things in my head, but I think I have seen that a few times. Forgive me if I am wrong--nothing I'm gonna battle over.

[Mat68]

Its hard to attack down field in 4 wr sets.  You think its easier but you only have the back to help with blocking.  The opposite side of the back will result in a free rusher.  Having the Te helps from a formational stand point and protection.  Yes, Sweeney is near the bottom of the roster.  If he can help protect Allen il take him on the field over Davis. 

[WideNine]

7 minutes ago, Mat68 said:

Its hard to attack down field in 4 wr sets.  You think its easier but you only have the back to help with blocking.  The opposite side of the back will result in a free rusher.  Having the Te helps from a formational stand point and protection.  Yes, Sweeney is near the bottom of the roster.  If he can help protect Allen il take him on the field over Davis. 

 

Our backs have done a decent job on picking up the odd rusher, but on one of our stalls in the RZ against TN we had Spencer with no TE help and they lined up a DE in a wide nine on the right and our RB motioned to the left of the formation at the snap.

 

Their DE came in unblocked and Allen had to throw it away or take a sack.

 

Good to have some size in there blocking. I have not seen enough of Gilliam to have strong feelings one way or another, but he had a sure TD wiped out by an unflagged mugging at the goal line and does give us that motion to a fullback role.