Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown recently gave some high-praise for one of his teammates in tight end Dawson Knox.
Brown predicts that Knox is going to be his teammate that has a big year en route.
Saying and doing are two different things, but Knox discussed with NFL Media why he thinks there’s reason he will have a better 2020 season after an up-and-down rookie season which had some highlights, but also some drops.
First, simply not being a rookie will help. Knox said he does not envy his current rookie teammates because of the virtual offseason the NFL is undertaking during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He had a hard enough time last year when that wasn’t the case.
“Well I definitely appreciate the shoutout,” Knox said on Brown’s comment. “I definitely want to do the best I possibly can, whatever I do, so I think, going from having my head spinning the whole year, I kind of really am looking forward to this year. Having that foundation, being comfortable with the playbook for the most part, and kind of being able to play… I’m going to try to play without thinking as much, being a little more free to just go out there and compete.”
Thi is not just is the case for Knox, but most players from Year 1 to Year 2. Look no further than quarterback Josh Allen. He took steps forward last year for the Bills.
But Knox gave another interesting reason for his potential improvements going forward. While many hope Allen will play better having Stefon Diggs now in the fold, what about the rest of the offense? Knox sees a trickle-down effect coming to Orchard Park.
“I think everybody is excited,” Knox said. “Stefon is going to be a huge piece for our offense… hopefully it’ll open up the middle of the field for me a little bit.”
“It’s going to be really fun.. he’s such a weapon, I’ve seen highlights of him everywhere. I know the Minnesota Miracle, just all the… I’ve seen probably a hundred different clips with him in different spots, it’s just going to be fun to have him on our side,” Knox added.
As a rookie, Knox had 28 catches for 388 yards with two touchdowns in 15 games played. As mentioned, what held Knox back in his first season were those hands at times. But if Knox already says he feels like he’s thinking less, that’s only a positive sign.
And Knox is onto something here, too. With the addition of Diggs, the Bills now have a new No. 1 receiver. Along with Knox possibly having a strong season with Diggs around, how about Brown? Last year, Brown garnered the attention of a No. 1 wideout from opposing defenses. Now he’s likely going to grab No. 2 attention. If Brown had a 72 catch, 1,060 yard season as the top dog, what will happen now?
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