How the Bills can fix one key issue without drafting or trading any players
The Buffalo Bills have some things they need to correct for next season. Sky-high expectations of the team winning their first Super Bowl weren't met, leaving fans with a sour taste. Outside of the offensive line issues, the receiving room is one of the most significant talking points. Fans felt that the team didn't live […]
The Buffalo Bills have some things they need to correct for next season.
Sky-high expectations of the team winning their first Super Bowl weren't met, leaving fans with a sour taste.
Outside of the offensive line issues, the receiving room is one of the most significant talking points. Fans felt that the team didn't live up to their true potential last season with players like Gabe Davis and Isaiah McKenzie not exploding on the stats sheet.
The solution is right in front of their eyes
However, this solution may be easier than some may realize. While Bills Mafia may be pounding the table for Beane to make a trade, or draft a wide receiver early, they may have their answer sitting on the current roster.
The graph illustrates just how surgical Khalil Shakir is on the football field. Out of all eligible wide receivers, Shakir ranked first in open percentage. Plain and simple, the man knows how to get open.
Khalil Shakir was a dark horse through training camp, a player Bills Mafia quickly fell in love with even in his limited snaps.
During the regular season, in limited playing time, Shakir finished with 10 receptions on 20 targets for 161 yards and a touchdown.
Shakir shines in postseason play
In the postseason alone Shakir nearly reached his entire season totals. This past postseason Shakir finished with 5 catches on 7 targets for 91 yards. The slot position was one that fans were discussing during training camp last year.
It was reported that Isaiah McKenzie was having a dominant camp and it was his job to lose. After a few lackluster games, Bills Mafia was clamoring for a change. Tie that in with Jamison Crowder's unfortunate injury, Shakir flat-out deserved to see the field more.
A bigger issue with the team
Shakir's inability to see the field brings up a bigger issue across Bills Mafia circles, the offensive coordinator position. While Brandon Beane has pretty much guaranteed Dorsey will be returning, fans needed to see more from the first-year offensive coordinator.
Ken Dorsey, clearly, didn't utilize some of the younger members of the offense this year. Both Khalil Shakir and James Cook showed flashes of why they deserve to be more of an every-down type of player.
The solution for the slot position is easy, when looking at numbers: feed Khalil Shakir.
Here's hoping Ken Dorsey took a look at the graph and will find a way to solidify Shakir in the slot position next season.
Featured image via Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
