Logic Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 (edited) I know, I know -- it's early, and you'll say I'm jumping the gun. I don't care. I've seen enough: Khalil Shakir should be the starting slot receiver going forward, even when McKenzie and Crowder return to full health. At the very least, he should be splitting reps with McKenzie and seeing more playing time than Jamison Crowder. He runs great routes. He constantly seems to get open. He has relatively sure hands (one bad concentration drop yesterday not withstanding). He offers run-after-catch ability that this offense often lacks. He has the frame and build to withstand the tough over-the-middle work. Aside from all of that, he just passes the eyeball test in a way that the Bills' other two slot options do not. Frankly, he looks like a star in the making. I love McKenzie as a player and am glad he's on the roster, but has he looked like a dynamic full time slot option to anyone over the first four games? He hasn't looked that way to me. I like Crowder, too. He's a solid, dependable veteran depth option. Again, though: he doesn't seem to pop off the screen the way Shakir was. I have figured all along that Shakir would be brought along slowly, that he'd be more of a contender for starting duties in 2023 or 2024. Given McDermott's M.O., that still may happen. I don't think it should, though. I've seen enough. He's the best option to start in the slot. The coaches always preach getting the best players on the field, regardless of tenure or pedigree. If they're true to their word, Shakir should start seeing more opportunities. I hope he does. Edited October 10, 2022 by Logic 17 20 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yall Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 I don't even know that this is such a hot take. Kid is good. Play him. 8 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WotAGuy Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 This is exactly the problem I was hoping we’d have once he stood out in preseason games. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PayDaBill$ Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Not a hot take, common sense just looking at ability. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royale with Cheese Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 (edited) I don't think it's a hot take. Crowder is going to be out for awhile and Shakir gives you more playmaking after the catch. McKenzie and Shakir inside will give teams problems. Edited October 10, 2022 by Royale with Cheese 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Turk Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 I don't see this as a hot take...Shakir can be special. 3 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave_Bills Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Agreed. I think the staff believed hands were the only question holding him back (along with experience). I think Josh trusts him and he’s believing in himself. He makes the offense more dynamic. I’m sold 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BidsJr Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 The way he plays and moves, I see a lot of Andre Reed in him. 5 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hemma Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 I agree 100%. He’s at a different level. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott7975 Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Kid has defintiely earned playing time. Crowder wont be back anytime soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeding Bills Blue Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 I'm not going to just bench Mckenzie forever - its a fluid spot as it was before. Some games it might be a shakir, others mckenzie. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolfandBills Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 (edited) Why can’t they both play? They have different skill sets that just makes our offense even more dynamic. Why is it always one or the other? Edited October 10, 2022 by GolfandBills 4 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan1959 Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 He seems to have that intuitive feel that Beasley displayed with better speed and YAC ability. 2 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramza86 Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Hard to say because I think they arent similar players. I like Shakir down the field and I like Mckenzie running across the field. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck Water Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 4 minutes ago, Logic said: I know, I know -- it's early, and you'll say I'm jumping the gun. I don't care. I've seen enough: Khalil Shakir should be the starting slot receiver going forward, even when McKenzie and Crowder return to full health. At the very least, he should be splitting reps with McKenzie and seeing more playing time than Jamison Crowder. Er....did you miss that Jamison Crowder just went on IR with a broken foot? So it's a damned sure bet that Shakir will see more time than Jamison Crowder going forward. Shakir is ahead of Hodgins on the depth chart and will get snaps going forward. I think he did well, and likely earned himself at least a split in time with McKenzie. He seems to be picking up the blocking, which is a huge step. McKenzie is a willing blocker but you can't coach F = ma or height/reach and McKenzie is lacking in the m component there as well as the height/reach. The drop, and 3 receptions on 5 targets against backup DBs don't anoint Shakir as the starter. Put against that he looked a bit lost vs. Tennessee and got blanked. McKenzie may be in McDermott's Doghouse though, for his show where he said all the stuff about being unable to move and etc. which I'm sure led to him being ruled out this week. I swear that guy is his own worst enemy. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangarang Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 I’m a fan heres another hot take: Moss should not get anymore touches 3 5 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yobogoya! Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Somehow I doubt this "hot take" gonna get much push back -- Shakir's a baller and has looked the part every chance he's gotten. Plus it's bout time one of these preseason TBD darlings actually panned out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straight Hucklebuck Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 9 minutes ago, Logic said: I know, I know -- it's early, and you'll say I'm jumping the gun. I don't care. I've seen enough: Khalil Shakir should be the starting slot receiver going forward, even when McKenzie and Crowder return to full health. At the very least, he should be splitting reps with McKenzie and seeing more playing time than Jamison Crowder. He runs great routes. He constantly seems to get open. He has relatively sure hands (one bad concentration drop yesterday not withstanding). He offers run-after-catch ability that this offense often lacks. He has the frame and build to withstand the tough over-the-middle work. Aside from all of that, he just passes the eyeball test in a way that the Bills' other two slot options do not. Frankly, he looks like a star in the making. I love McKenzie as a player and am glad he's on the roster, but has he looked like a dynamic full time slot option to anyone over the first four games? He hasn't looked that way to me. I like Crowder, too. He's a solid, dependable veteran depth option. Again, though: he doesn't seem to pop off the screen the way Shakir was. I have figured all along that Shakir would be brought along slowly, that he'd be more of a contender for starting duties in 2023 or 2024. Given McDermott's M.O., that still may happen. I don't think it should, though. I've seen enough. He's the best option to start in the slot. The coaches always preach getting the best players on the field, regardless of tenure or pedigree. If they're true to their word, Shakir should start seeing more opportunities. I hope he does. Like Gabe Davis, you saw his ability to separate from the first preseason game. It has translated against the starters. If the Bills are finally in the mind-set of Super Bowl or nothing, then I agree, no more holding players back just because they are young so that worn out veterans can play. Nothing against Jamison Crowder, but that's why his injury was a blessing in disguise, it took away the excuses. Diggs and Davis never come off the field, but I agree that Shakir can now rotate in with McKenzie, pushing Kumerow down the depth chart, and he's a good WR in his own right. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jletha Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 He made the most of every touch these last two games. Always getting more yards than I expected on any given play, from the return, RAC, going up to get that seam route. Just rose to the occasion every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck Water Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 3 minutes ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said: I'm not going to just bench Mckenzie forever - its a fluid spot as it was before. Some games it might be a shakir, others mckenzie. It's likely to be both, splitting snaps, the way Crowder and McKenzie did. The exact split will shift from game to game and depend upon the savvy Shakir demonstrates at filling Crowder's "find the gaps in the zone" role. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddaryl Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 If he continues to improve on his oportunities than I can see the position shifting to him being starting slot. I will say, he got out of the gate slowly this season but he is a rookie, I noticed yesterday when running back a punt (maybe a kick) return he looked a little loose holding the ball extended away from his body while running. Then there was the easy catch that he dropped, SO he still has some thing to improve upon... But like I said, it will come down to how he handles his opporunities moving forward. If he continues to improve, limit mistakes, he plays more snaps 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warriorspikes51 Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Cooper Kupp 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck Water Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Just now, Straight Hucklebuck said: Like Gabe Davis, you saw his ability to separate from the first preseason game. It has translated against the starters. If the Bills are finally in the mind-set of Super Bowl or nothing, then I agree, no more holding players back just because they are young so that worn out veterans can play. Nothing against Jamison Crowder, but that's why his injury was a blessing in disguise, it took away the excuses. Diggs and Davis never come off the field, but I agree that Shakir can now rotate in with McKenzie, pushing Kumerow down the depth chart, and he's a good WR in his own right. Actually, one of the changes this season is that Diggs DOES come off the field, regularly, and before the starters come out. Part of it is that (I think) Dorsey is running more (2,1) (1,2) and even (2,2) personnel packages. More of it is that they seem to be systematically giving Diggs some breathers to keep himself fresh. The Ravens game was an outlier so far. Davis has had a higher snap count than Diggs because he blocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob in STL Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 (edited) Shakir looks versatile and can rotate in and sub for any of the three (McKenzie, Davis, Diggs). Whether Shakir "starts" is not important. He will play and he will get targets. I like the possibility that we can move him around. He will make plays. Not sure we are going to see much of Crowder with his injury. Kumerow will go back to ST mostly. Edited October 10, 2022 by Bob in STL 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck Water Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 4 minutes ago, ddaryl said: If he continues to improve on his oportunities than I can see the position shifting to him being starting slot. I will say, he got out of the gate slowly this season but he is a rookie, I noticed yesterday when running back a punt (maybe a kick) return he looked a little loose holding the ball extended away from his body while running. Then there was the easy catch that he dropped, SO he still has some thing to improve upon... But like I said, it will come down to how he handles his opporunities moving forward. If he continues to improve, limit mistakes, he plays more snaps How I see it. I don't think McDermott was a fan of his first punt reception either. He called it off and let it bounce, which was better than going for it and having a turnover, but the result of being pinned on the goal line was not pretty. But he's earned the opportunity to be active on gameday and to get his snaps. What he does with them will determine his share of the playing time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hemma Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 I think he gets a mulligan on 1 drop. Gabe had more than 1 last week. I’m happy he wasn’t benched this week. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrags Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 12 minutes ago, Process said: Crowder? He'll never play another snap for the Bills. McKenzie is much better as #4 WR/gadget guy. I agree, I think Shakir should start and I think he's going to be a stud. Don’t agree with this entirely. Crowder could easily be put on the IR and he’s not. They expect him back sooner than later. but your point about McKenzie is correct. He’s good in certain situations and with certain expectations. I think he would and should be the starter at slot if Shakir hadn’t progressed so well. And I’d have absolute faith that he would be fine there. the point about Shakir is 100% correct though. He has not only earned at least opportunities and splitting time on the field. He has shown he has something that the other guys don’t. He’s going to be a very good player going forward. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warriorspikes51 Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Just now, mrags said: Don’t agree with this entirely. Crowder could easily be put on the IR and he’s not. They expect him back sooner than later. but your point about McKenzie is correct. He’s good in certain situations and with certain expectations. I think he would and should be the starter at slot if Shakir hadn’t progressed so well. And I’d have absolute faith that he would be fine there. the point about Shakir is 100% correct though. He has not only earned at least opportunities and splitting time on the field. He has shown he has something that the other guys don’t. He’s going to be a very good player going forward. He was put on IR Saturday when Hodgins was signed to the 53. Once Kumerow is back: Diggs Davis McKenzie/Shakir Kumerow/Hodgins 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck Water Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Just now, mrags said: Don’t agree with this entirely. Crowder could easily be put on the IR and he’s not. They expect him back sooner than later. Crowder is on IR. They waited until Saturday to make the move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain_Quint Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 All he needs to do is show that he is more reliable than McKenzie and I don't think McD will hesitate to have him as the starter. I think McD gets sick of the mental errors that come with McKenzie. I think from a physical standpoint, they both have alot of ability and both can play a big role in the weekly gameplans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck Water Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Just now, Warriorspikes51 said: He was put on IR Saturday when Hodgins was signed to the 53. Once Kumerow is back: Diggs Davis McKenzie/Shakir Kumerow/Hodgins Hodgins is likely to be the inactive guy once Kumerow is healthy because of Kumerow's blocking skill and ST role. But, if McKenzie takes further steps towards McDermott's doghouse and Shakir continues to look good, that could change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDHillFan Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Hips don’t lie. Give me more Shakir. Uh. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnyp566 Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 (edited) I don't think this a hot take either. I think this kid has serious potential and its been said over and over that if he was taken in the 3rd round no one would have thought twice. I still don't understand how he lasted as long as he did. He has an interesting body type but he's muscular and I think will have a much easier time staying healthy than McKenzie. I think this kid is going to be a serious player in this league and it was a case of the rich getting richer. Yesterday was a great start but I think the job will be his exclusively and McKenzie will settle back into role player mode. There is some special talent with Shakir and he's got juice too in addition to the toughness we saw on his contested catch. Edited October 10, 2022 by Johnnyp566 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warriorspikes51 Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 (edited) 2 minutes ago, Johnnyp566 said: I don't think is a hot take either. I think this kid has serious potential and its been said over and over that if he was taken in the 3rd round no one would have thought twice. I still don't understand how he lasted as long as he did. He has an interesting body type but he's muscular and I think will have a much easier time staying healthy than McKenzie. I think this kid is going to be a serious player in this league and it was a case of the rich getting richer. Yesterday was a great start but I think the job will be his exclusively and McKenzie will settle back into role player mode. There is some special talent with Shakir and he's got juice too in addition to the toughness we saw on his contested catch. Shakir seems to have subtle moves and a unique running style that makes him harder to defend Ideally, we would use McKenzie's speed more than we have so far. More motion / designed end arounds Edited October 10, 2022 by Warriorspikes51 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrags Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 6 minutes ago, Warriorspikes51 said: He was put on IR Saturday when Hodgins was signed to the 53. Once Kumerow is back: Diggs Davis McKenzie/Shakir Kumerow/Hodgins Oh didn’t know that. Lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over 29 years of fanhood Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Watch his post game interview…. Dude has the maturity of a 40 year old. My guess is good player this year and great player after one full pro off season next year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brianmoorman4jesus Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 I’m all in on it. The kid has made plays every time he’s touched the ball. He could be the run after catch element we have been missing. He needs to stay on the field. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott7975 Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Other than that INT that was on McKenzie, McK has been playing pretty well. He has 3 TDs and should have a 4th TD game winner if not for the missed throw by Josh. I think Shakir is going to be really good for us and I am sure he will get more playing time. 3 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruffalo Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 He certainly deserves an expanded workload. McKenzie is still useful and deserves snaps as well. Good problem to have. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transplantbillsfan Posted October 10, 2022 Share Posted October 10, 2022 Whether he's #3 or #4 this year almost doesn't matter to me as long as he sees the field, which I think happens. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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