The Patriots are walking into Week 4 with a clear target in mind: Dalton Kincaid.
Buffalo’s top tight end has been one of the biggest drivers of the Bills’ hot start, and New England head coach Mike Vrabel made it plain this week that he knows exactly what kind of problem Kincaid presents.
“Kincaid has been fantastic lately, averaging almost 19 yards a catch,” Vrabel said earlier this week.
That production is not just eye-catching, it’s central to what Buffalo has built on offense. Through three games, Kincaid leads the Bills with 14 catches, has one touchdown, and sits just behind wide receiver D.J.
Moore in total targets. He also owns 263 receiving yards and an 18.8-yard average per catch, both team highs and the best marks among NFL tight ends heading into Week 4.
New England has had its moments against tight ends so far. In the Patriots’ first three games, that position group has managed only 84 yards on 10 receptions against defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr’s defense. Still, the challenge with Kincaid is that the usual label may not even fit.
Safety Kevin Byard said the Patriots see him less like a traditional tight end and more like a receiver.
“I see him as a wide receiver. The things they do with him are as a wide receiver,” Byard said.
“He’s going to be split out wide, when they have two tight ends out there, he runs receiver routes. I mean, shoot, he’s their top target right now.
When you look at his stats, it’s not normal tight end stats. Josh Allen trusts him.
He’s going up with great body control, going up attacking the football. He’s a dynamic player and we’re going to have to contain him.”
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