Bills’ youngster continues to prove he’s a staple of the future after clutch performance against chiefs
The Buffalo Bills have plenty of young talent in place that's already making a big impact on the team. When you're looking for players that turn into franchise cornerstones, it's important to look for guys that are consistently showing up, that have showcased an ability to make a big impact, and that have earned the […]
The Buffalo Bills have plenty of young talent in place that's already making a big impact on the team. When you're looking for players that turn into franchise cornerstones, it's important to look for guys that are consistently showing up, that have showcased an ability to make a big impact, and that have earned the trust of the players are coaches around them.
On the offense, you have Josh Allen, your franchise legend that's hunting down Buffalo immortality each and every week. Sunday's 4th down heroics added yet another memorable moment to his lore. Outside of him, he's surrounded by young playmakers that are still ascending into their final form, something that Bills Mafia should be incredibly thrilled for the future about.
One player stands out above the rest — wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who has proven to be the engine to what the Buffalo offense does week in, and week out.
Before Josh’s game-clinching TD run. Khalil Shakir makes this amazing catch on 3rd and 9 to keep the drive alive. He’s been a guy I’ve hyped up for awhile, and he’s even exceeding MY expectations. IDK how he hangs on here, my internal organs hurt just watching this play. BIG play. #BillsMafia
— Aaron Quinn (@aaronquinn716.bsky.social) November 17, 2024 at 10:48 PM
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Without Keon Coleman, without Dalton Kincaid, and with a limited Amari Cooper, it was Khalil Shakir's game, and he did what he always does — perform. Look at that situation. It's 3rd and 9. If Shakir doesn't catch this pass, Buffalo is punting it back to Mahomes with 4:30 left to play and only a two point lead. This is the definition of clutch.
He led the team with 11 targets, catching 8 of them. Typically you'd look at an 8/11 reception performance favorably, but everyone is so used to seeing him haul in literally everything thrown his way, that three targets that didn't go as catches is weird.
Still. With those eight receptions, he logged 70 yards, 54 of them coming after the catch. I've been saying it since the offseason – Khalil Shakir is an elite YAC receiver. He's right up there with the best of them.
Ja'Marr Chase currently leads the league in yards after the catch with 489. Shakir is second with 462. He's done that one 33 — THIRTY THREE — fewer targets.
What Shakir provides to this offense as an ultra reliable wide receiver with flawless hands and elite ability after the catch is absolutely pivotal. Showing up when the lights are the brightest, like his absurd touchdown catch and run in the playoffs last year against the Steelers or his corner of the end zone touchdown grab in the playoffs against the Chiefs, or on Sunday in a crucial regular season game when multiple teammates were injured, makes him a rock-solid cornerstone piece that the Bills should sign to a bajillion year extension.
Make sure this guy is with Josh Allen forever.
Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp.
