Commanders' Jack Del Rio Analyzes 'Concept-Driven' Bills Offense

The Buffalo Bills are using an increased number of two-tight-end formations now that they have Dalton Kincaid to pair with Dawson Knox.

When a team lines up in what's known as 12 personnel — one running back and two tight ends — often times it could signal a run play is coming.

However, when the quarterback is one of the NFL's best gunslingers in Josh Allen, that could mean an entirely different game plan will be used in the personnel grouping. With the Buffalo Bills, that is exactly the case, using first-round draft pick Dalton Kincaid as a complement to Dawson Knox in the passing game.

“They are a concept-driven unit. They do a great job," Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said. "They've got good people. They've been explosive, and they've done it for a long time. Ever since that big, athletic quarterback has been there, they've been tough to deal with. They've got a really good offense and that is really good team.”

Buffalo Bills rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid presents a unique challenge for the Washington Commanders

While Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis have been the mainstays out wide, Buffalo's offensive scheme has recently centered around delivering the ball to the tight end.

Each of the last two years, Knox has been a staple of consistency. In 2021, he hauled in 49 passes for 587 yards and nine touchdowns, closely imitating those numbers in 2022 when he had 48 catches for 517 yards and six scores.

While Knox has six receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown on nine targets, Kincaid has stepped in and been a more reliable receiving option through two games. The rookie from Utah has caught nine passes for 69 yards.

The threat to throw out of the two-tight-end sets that the Bills run puts more stress on the Commanders' linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties to have good communication with one another to lock down Knox and Kincaid this Sunday.