The Buffalo Bills were looking to have a bounce-back win on a short week following a loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
On Thursday Night Football at home, they did just that.
The Bills (5-3) bested the Buccaneers 24-18, outlasting Tampa in their attempt at a fourth-quarter comeback.
Rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid’s contributions were among the bright spots for an offense that found a rhythm that has eluded them at times since early last season.
When asked what differences he noticed in the Bills offense, Kincaid pinpointed a few specific things that stood out.
“Better communication, more passion and more energy throughout,” the rookie said to the media postgame.
Kincaid had five catches on seven targets for 65 yards. After his first career touchdown, he leaped into the stands with Bills Mafia in celebration.
Following news this week that starting tight end Dawson Knox would undergo surgery for a wrist injury and land on injured reserve, Kincaid’s role is set to increase during the Pro Bowler’s absence.
After the win over the Bucs, head coach Sean McDermott commented on what he saw in Kincaid’s biggest outing yet as a Bill.
“(He just needs) to be him,” McDermott said. “To continue to grow like all of the players, particularly the young players. Grow every week, get a little bit better and find things to work on. … He’s done a good job. And when you watch the rapport of a good tight end and a quarterback, it only grows over the years. And the more they play together, the better it should get.”
QB Josh Allen ran a more up-tempo passing game, logging 324 yards with two touchdowns and one interception passing. He commented following the win on Kincaid as well.
“He’s a professional. I thought he stepped up to the challenge and we’re going to have to get him more involved in the offense as the season goes by.”
In addition to the scoring toss, Allen also made sure to secure the game ball from Kincaid’s first points in the NFL.
“You never know what they’re gonna do on their first touchdown,” Allen added about rookies. “So I stole (the ball) from him and made sure I got it to our equipment manager (Austin Skobel) and ‘Scoby’s’ gonna put it in a nice spot and laminate it and put something pretty on it for his first touchdown.”
It was also one of the most balanced games the Bills have had on offense as they spread the ball around to receivers Khalil Shakir (92 yards on six catches), Gabe Davis (87 yards on nine catches, and Stefon Diggs (70 yards on nine catches), as well as TE Dalton Kincaid (65 yards on five catches.)
On the ground RB James Cook had 67 yards on 14 carries with Allen adding 41 yards and a touchdown.
Next up, they’ll get a rematch with the Bengals in Cincinnati in one of their most important tests of the season thus far.
[lawrence-related id=125328,125343,125454]
