The Buffalo Bills are coming off a convincing win over the New York Jets despite injuries continuing to be an issue for the team. With both Sammy Watkins and LeSean McCoy dealing with issues, the Bills got needed help from depth on the roster, something that has been sporadic during the season. After a breakout game from Charles Clay, can the tight end make up for other lingering issues on the roster?
On a day when Watkins played, but was held in check by Darrelle Revis, Clay made the most of his open space and put up one of his better games with five catches for 52 yards to lead the group in receiving. Considering how quiet the tight end has been for most of the season, that was a big success in many people's eyes and it is something that could continue following the team's bye week. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor noted he has confidence in the tight end to excel.
"Like he said after the game he didn't know where the jukes came from, but he definitely has them in his game," said Taylor via the team website. "I'm definitely confident in the mismatches he's going to receive or the matchups he's going to get throughout the year. You get a guy like that who is very talented at the tight end position who is going against linebackers and we like those matchups and the moves that he made once he got the football."
With Harvin out for the year and Robert Woods struggling, Clay is going to be the x-factor moving forward. If Taylor can get the tight end moving well, the Bills' offense will look much better. Right now, the team's bread and butter is the run game which is good, but it has not been enough at times this year which is when Clay needs to do a better job of stepping up.
For now, the Bills are very happy riding the wave of LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams. Both backs have been thriving in recent weeks as both rushers and receivers. With Williams approaching the NFL record books in touchdown catches, McCoy is proving to be every bit worth the investment the Bills made in him. Williams' breakout year has certainly been benefitting the Bills as Ryan is thrilled by the running back's progress.
"He's obviously got a lot of special qualities about him. He's a great kid, too, by the way," said Ryan, via the team website. "But number one he's an explosive athlete who has size, speed, vision, burst. He's got all of that. You don't luck into six straight games with a touchdown. You don't luck into that. This guy has got receiving skills. He's got a couple of touchdowns out of the backfield, but he just blows by guys. He sets them up."
The run game will be critical for Buffalo moving forward. However, they need offensive balance in order to excel. With Watkins inconsistent on the field, the pressure will be on the shoulders of players like Clay to step up.
