Wild Bills: Analyzing the Buffalo Bills Offense Against New England
Charles Clay, Tight End
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Another pricey free-agent signing for the Bills this offseason, Charles Clay’s stat line from last week might not exactly scream “star power,” but like just about any tight end named Gronkowski or Graham, a solid receiving tight end can wreak havoc on passing defenses. Most linebackers are too slow to cover them, and most safeties and corners will simply get manhandled.
For his career, Clay has a tidy 1,852 receiving yards, for an average of 11.2 yards per reception. If smashing the ball into the end zone with LeSean McCoy or Karlos Williams doesn’t do the trick, don’t be surprised to see Clay targeted in red-zone or third down situations. Also, keep this in mind: Clay played all but three offensive snaps for the Bills against the Colts.
Who Can Stop Him?
Well, with a receiving tight end, there’s really no easy answer, depending on where Clay lines up. He’s never been a freakish athlete (in NFL context, anyway), but he’s a versatile player that will probably function as a 2nd/3rd receiving option for Taylor, especially if nothing looks open down the field. Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins and Clay could be in for quite the chess match if they match up often.
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