The Bills veteran tight end's stats underscore Joe Brady's problem

The “Dawson Knox stinks” crowd is a misguided bunch. Even those who claim he is overpaid are wrong.

Simply put, the tight end's critics are more concerned with the symptoms than the root cause of the Buffalo Bills' offensive woes. Knox's lack of production isn't due to a lack of skill or execution. It is simply a product of game planning and strategy.

At times it almost seems as if offensive coordinator Joe Brady has forgotten what Knox is capable of as a pass catcher. Quarterback Josh Allen only targeted Knox five times. The 23:20 away loss to the Houston Texans was the second game this season in which Knox did not score a single goal.

“He was a guy we needed to get going. We know that. Joe knows that. The whole team knows that. We're better when 88 plays well. “Just find ways to get guys the ball in open space, and that starts with me,” Allen said Wednesday at Orchard Park.

His lack of use as a pass catcher is a real nuisance considering Knox is big, athletic and a proven asset in the red zone. Additionally, the 2019 third-round draft pick has a great deal of familiarity with Allen.

“It helps a lot. I know him as a player, as a person. That pays off on the field. I have the utmost confidence in him as a player and as a person,” Allen said. “I'm not worried about what we're going to do. He's just another guy who works hard and doesn't complain. When the opportunities arise, he will make the plays.”

Knox proved to be an important part of the Bills' passing attack in 2021 and 2022. In 30 regular-season games, he recorded 15 touchdown receptions and had consecutive receiving campaigns with more than 500 yards.

Buffalo has won four straight AFC Wildcard playoff games and Knox scored a touchdown in all four games.

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He will forever be remembered for the way he introduced himself to the NFL as a rookie in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Knox made the ultimate “furious run” over two sideline defenders for a 49-yard gain to the Cincy 22 with less than 5:00 left in the fourth quarter. Five plays later, the Bills scored the winning touchdown.

Knox has proven he can move the chains when he gets the ball in space. Now it's up to Brady to make sure the talented tight end gets plenty of opportunity.

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