Khalil Shakir is just warming up..

[wppete]

He’s coming along just like Gabe Davis did. A lot of similarities between the two. 

[Shaw66]

16 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

He just plays so much tougher and smarter than McKenzie.  On a personal level, love McKenzie and root for him.  But on a non bias level, he just isn’t good enough to be an every down player.  Yes he runs fast, and that’s about where it stops when you name things he excels at.  He doesn’t run great routes, he doesn’t have great hands, he doesn’t do well catching in traffic, he isn’t physical, and his field IQ is a liability.  He is a good situational and gadget role player though.  

 I don't want to bury McKenzie just yet, but I think this is pretty accurate.  

 

Shakir is, to me, a fundamentally different player than McK.  In fact, I think it's the fundamentals that make him different.   I watch Shakir and I see a student of the game, a guy who truly fits the "growth mindset" character.   I see a guy who has worked every day on the field since high school to play the game the way it's supposed to be played.   He catches the ball almost effortlessly, and almost always securely because, I think, he has made ball security a primary responsibility for years.   I see a guy who runs routes effectively because, I think, he's worked since high school to understand offenses and his role in them. 

 

He just seems to play with his head completely in the game, all the time.  He isn't Cooper Kupp, but he plays with the same kind of mastery of the position that Kupp displays - just do everything right and as well as you can, every play.   He just gives me that feeling.   Boise State isn't a football factory, but they seem to develop smart, heady players who understand the game.   I think Shakir is one.  

 

That's the kind of guy who becomes a quarterback's security blanket.   Beasley was a security blanket on certain kinds of plays, but not all over the field.   Diggs is now the security blanket, in part because Dorsey is being so creative that teams simply are unable to shut him down.   I think what will happen is that Shakir will become the guy who can take advantage of the fact that teams are so desperate to stop Diggs that they leave holes elsewhere.   Shakir is the guy who will fill those holes.  Here he is on a slant, there he's finding the soft spot in the zone, he's the came coming back to Allen when he's in trouble.  It already looks like Allen is finding him in those ways, and they're just getting used to each other.  

 

It's easy to see a starting receiving trio of Diggs, Davis, and Shakir.   All can play over the middle, all can go deep, all have sure hands, all have good relationships with Allen. 

 

[Chandler#81]

3 hours ago, Beck Water said:

 

Don't look, tell me how many punts he's been back to return, and how many he fielded?

We were on the KC 7 yd line prior to a penalty that took us back to the 3

 

He has 6 receptions on 11 targets (54.5%), 2 scored drops plus another 2 I think he could have had

 

I hope Shakir will be a very good player for us, but this is perhaps a tad of premature hyperbole

Perhaps it’s not. Beck, we see him for about 10 minutes every game day. The coaches, teammates and training staff see him every minute of every day he’s at OBD. They see him make great catches, handle kicks very well in Buffalo weather, smack the crap out of our defenders and run crisp routes, while spending countless other hours learning the finer points of our scheme, asking questions and honing his craft. McDermott is notorious for not allowing just anyone to return kicks. The kid is our current feature Returner. I know you love McKittrick the Clown Show, but it’s a blind love and you’re not looking particularly intuitive standing firm on the LilDirty Express. The bridge is out ahead.. 

Edited October 21, 2022 by Chandler#81

[gobills404]

5 hours ago, AlfaBill said:

Why not Diggs in the slot and Shakir wide?

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

[blacklabel]

It is said that if you seek far and wide the reaches of the foosball universe, you will encounter the Wise Old Punt Returner. You must solve riddles three and catch punts for me. Ask not for whom the ball punts, it punts for thee!

[Beck Water]

1 hour ago, Chandler#81 said:

Perhaps it’s not. Beck, we see him for about 10 minutes every game day. The coaches, teammates and training staff see him every minute of every day he’s at OBD. They see him make great catches, handle kicks very well in Buffalo weather, smack the crap out of our defenders and run crisp routes, while spending countless other hours learning the finer points of our scheme, asking questions and honing his craft. McDermott is notorious for not allowing just anyone to return kicks. The kid is our current feature Returner. I know you love McKittrick the Clown Show, but it’s a blind love and you’re not looking particularly intuitive standing firm on the LilDirty Express. The bridge is out ahead.. 

 

Right you are. The coaches and teammates and training staff see him every minute of every practice.   That seeing of theirs sent him into the season at #6 on the WR depth chart

 

Game #1, inactive

Game #2, 25% (24) snaps Game 2 for inactive Davis.  2 targets on those 24 snaps, and was 0 for 2.  Kumerow got 2 receptions on 3 targets, 50 yds

Game #3, back on the inactive list. 

Game #4, 25% of the snaps

Game #5 with Crowder to IR and Kumerow and McKenzie both out 70%

Game #6 21% of the snaps. 

 

With Kumerow injured, Shakir got his chance in game 4 and now with Crowder on IR, Shakir's chances will continue.  It probably will change over time, but it's not as of yet true that "he's seeing more playing time each game". 

 

Why is that, if they see "his savvy play belies a rookie WR", his blocking is reliable "smacking the crap" out of defenders, his routes are crisp and get him open, he makes better catches, he has better trust from Josh Allen?   The coaches say FU Josh Allen?  The coaches are not observant?  You, living in FL and seeing 0 of our practices or games live, know better?

 

I think Shakir is doing well with his chances.  He's not going back on the inactive list for Hodgins due to his PR gig and his slot role (although Hodgins also did very well vs. Pittsburgh); Hodgins is the one likely to move to the inactive list when Kumerow comes back.

 

Shakir is credited with 2 scored drops (meaning balls observers believe a WR should catch without extraordinary effort) - same as McKenzie, though McKenzie has more targets for half the drop %.  He has a 54.5% catch %.  McKenzie had a crap game vs the Chiefs, and he's still at 65.4%.  I see better blocks from Shakir, I do still see whiffs.

 

Sean was relying on Crowder as a sure handed punt returner, until Crowder busted his ankle.   Shakir has gone back to receive punts 8 times.  4 of them (vs Pittsburgh) he waved off in the Buffalo weather.  McDermott made a point last year he felt strongly the punt should end in the PR's hands and not rely on the wind/bounce whether we wind up pinned at our 2 yd line or not like we did vs. Pittsburgh.  Shakir has 2 FC, 2 returns for 0 and for 6 yds.  The 0 yd return vs KC placed us on the Buf 7 yd line, 4 yd line vs KC after a half-the-distance penalty.   Again, not faulting him for that, he probably made a bad decision to field that one and should have tried to wave it off and let it go into the EZ, but I just see all these things and it's weird to me to extol him as "handle kicks very well in Buffalo weather" and to say "6 games in, Sean relies on him as a sure handed, wise punt returner."    Frankly, if McKenzie had gone back to receive a punt 8 times and 2 of them resulted in us being pinned on our 2 or 4 yd line, I think you'd be roasting him on a spit, not extolling him as this wise decision maker able to handle kicks in Buffalo weather.

 

McKenzie returned to his KR role this past game.  Shakir is our PR.  I'm not sure what makes him our "feature returner" for that.

 

I dunno, it's very strange to me.  I think Shakir shows a lot of promise, but he's got some growth due.  I think it must be "back up QB syndrome", when the starter is playing poorly the backup QB is the most popular guy in town and everyone is ready to anoint him if he comes in and has a good game.

 

As far as the weird crap about "blind love standing firm blah blah blah" all I can say is I don't think you actually read what I say, and I doubt this will change anything.  I feel it's pretty clear I try to base my analysis on film and cold hard facts, and recognize different folks see stuff differently.  But if anyone cares

 

 

Edited October 21, 2022 by Beck Water

[Warriorspikes51]

I really like him and want to see him on designed plays in space more.

[Beck Water]

2 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

Somebody actually gave a vomit emoticon over this post????  Lmao, what a terrible reaction to your post

 

Yeah, I think it's premature hyperbole but it's a perfectly good post for all that - good basis for discussion and that's what this board's all about.  The vomit emoji is just bizarro.

 

1 hour ago, blacklabel said:

It is said that if you seek far and wide the reaches of the foosball universe, you will encounter the Wise Old Punt Returner. You must solve riddles three and catch punts for me. Ask not for whom the ball punts, it punts for thee!

 

I think that guy is reclining on a beach out in Sandy Eggo this season.

Edited October 21, 2022 by Beck Water

[Scott7975]

11 minutes ago, Beck Water said:

 

Right you are. The coaches and teammates and training staff see him every minute of every practice.   That seeing of theirs sent him into the season at #6 on the WR depth chart

 

Game #1, inactive

Game #2, 25% (24) snaps Game 2 for inactive Davis.  2 targets on those 24 snaps, and was 0 for 2.  Kumerow got 2 receptions on 3 targets, 50 yds

Game #3, back on the inactive list. 

Game #4, 25% of the snaps; Game #5 with Crowder to IR and Kumerow and McKenzie both out 70%, Game #6 21% of the snaps. 

 

With Kumerow injured, Shakir got his chance in game 4 and now with Crowder on IR, Shakir's chances will continue.  It probably will change over time, but it's not as of yet true that "he's seeing more playing time each game". 

 

Why is that, if they see "his savvy play belies a rookie WR", his blocking is reliable "smacking the crap" out of defenders, his routes are crisp and get him open, he makes better catches, he has better trust from Josh Allen?   The coaches say FU Josh Allen?  The coaches are not observant?  You, living in FL and seeing 0 of our practices or games live, know better?

 

I think Shakir is doing well with his chances.  He's not going back on the inactive list for Hodgins due to his PR gig and his slot role (although Hodgins also did very well vs. Pittsburgh); Hodgins is the one likely to move to the inactive list when Kumerow comes back.

 

Shakir is credited with 2 scored drops (meaning balls observers believe a WR should catch without extraordinary effort) - same as McKenzie, though McKenzie has more targets for half the drop %.  He has a 54.5% catch %.  McKenzie had a crap game vs the Chiefs, and he's still at 65.4%.  I see better blocks from Shakir, I do still see whiffs.

 

Sean was relying on Crowder as a sure handed punt returner, until Crowder busted his ankle.   Shakir has gone back to receive punts 8 times.  4 of them (vs Pittsburgh) he waved off in the Buffalo weather.  McDermott made a point last year he felt strongly the punt should end in the PR's hands and not rely on the wind/bounce whether we wind up pinned at our 2 yd line or not like we did vs. Pittsburgh.  Shakir has 2 FC, 2 returns for 0 and for 6 yds.  The 0 yd return vs KC placed us on the Buf 7 yd line, 4 yd line vs KC after a half-the-distance penalty.   Again, not faulting him for that, he probably made a bad decision to field that one and should have tried to wave it off and let it go into the EZ, but I just see all these things and it's weird to me to extol him as "handle kicks very well in Buffalo weather" and to say "6 games in, Sean relies on him as a sure handed, wise punt returner."    Frankly, if McKenzie had gone back to receive a punt 8 times and 2 of them resulted in us being pinned on our 2 or 4 yd line, I think you'd be roasting him on a spit, not extolling him as this wise decision maker able to handle kicks in Buffalo weather.

 

McKenzie returned to his KR role this past game.  Shakir is our PR.  I'm not sure what makes him our "feature returner" for that.

 

I dunno, it's very strange to me.  I think Shakir shows a lot of promise, but he's got some growth due.  I think it must be "back up QB syndrome", when the starter is playing poorly the backup QB is the most popular guy in town and everyone is ready to anoint him if he comes in and has a good game.

 

As far as the weird crap about "blind love standing firm blah blah blah" all I can say is I don't think you actually read what I say, and I doubt this will change anything.

But if anyone cares

 

 

 

I agree with this.  IMO all Shakir has done so far is earn some more reps.  He isnt defacto better than McK yet.  People ignore the mistakes Shakir has made thus far just because they never like McK to begin with.  Even some of McK's mistakes are being overblown because they werent totally on him.  I hope Shakir gets some more work and ends up there but he isnt there yet.

[TampaBillsJunkie]

We can fix this with OBJ. Get him in the door. Shakir and MCKenzie can battle with Kumerow for the 4th and 5th spots.

[ghostwriter]

12 hours ago, bmur66 said:

He definitely looks like he belongs out there. Good things to come.

For sure. I wonder how much of a role WR coach Chad Hall has had for us in terms of the draft and drafting guys like Gabe Davis and Khalil Shakir? He truly does seem to be an up and comer as far as coaches are concerned. Wouldn’t surprise me to see him end up as an OC one of these days, he’s done an incredible job for us.

[No_Matter_What]

7 hours ago, Beast said:

@Airsevenneeds to start being treated as a true agent of the enemy on these boards. He’s flat out nothing more than a troll. The vomit emoji on Chandler’s OP? Seriously?

When you put him on ignore you don't even know that he exists.

 

I don't understand why people don't use that feature more. It really helps.

[Airseven]

7 hours ago, Beast said:

@Airsevenneeds to start being treated as a true agent of the enemy on these boards. He’s flat out nothing more than a troll. The vomit emoji on Chandler’s OP? Seriously?

 

I like Shakir and really look forward to his development. But fluff about standing "in awe" of somebody's "prowess" gets the vomit.

[ColoradoBills]

2 hours ago, TampaBillsJunkie said:

We can fix this with OBJ. Get him in the door. Shakir and MCKenzie can battle with Kumerow for the 4th and 5th spots.

 

When is OBJ going to be ready to take snaps in a game?

[TampaBillsJunkie]

1 minute ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

When is OBJ going to be ready to take snaps in a game?

soon. 

[ArtVandalay]

19 hours ago, Chandler#81 said:

BBeane seemed frenzied on Draft day, dropping back multiple times. Then he moved UP TWENTY spots in Rd. 5 to grab him. 6 games in, Sean relies on him as a sure handed, wise punt returner. <read the last sentence again>😳 His savvy play belies a rookie WR and he’s seeing more playing time each game. He’s quick, smooth and gritty. Not just a willing blocker, he’s get quickly to his spot and will SMACK defenders, regardless of size disparity. He’s displayed excellent body control, fending off defenders to position himself to make catches, blindly toe taps the sideline and he’s earned Allen’s attention. <read the last sentence again> 😉

I love his No-nonsense, all business demeanor. The kid can play! I stand in awe of Beane’s drafting prowess as his staff continues to get raided, but the results continue to flourish.

 

 

 

 

Haven't seen so much talk about a WR blocking since Josh Reed. 

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

22 hours ago, HereComesTheReignAgain said:

Nope, I mean move him to primarily a slot receiver, like the person that I was responding to stated.  I don't think you change Diggs' current role.

i saw somewhere He took 50% of kc snaps from slot. 

[Bobby Hooks]

I’m a fan of McKenzie the guy, but as the football player I’m ready to turn the page and give Shakir the lions share of reps. 
 

He’s shown enough, and unfortunately I think McKenzie has too. To be clear, I like McKenzie on the team. I just feel like Shakir adds more right now, and it’s crazy to say because he’s a rook, but he actually seems like the more reliable of the two as well. 

[Aurelius]

23 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

I think Shakir has a chance to be an outstanding slot receiver.    There are always going to be guys like Cooper Kupp and Stefon Diggs who can be great anywhere so that makes them more valuable but in the 5th round Shakir could be the teams offensive version of what Taron Johnson is on the other side............a superior position specialist at what is a de facto starting position in the NFL.

 

As for Beane's drafting...........I've said repeatedly and all along how much I love his work in round 1.    After that,  I'm not so much in awe.    Good enough but not amazing.  He's found some excellent players after round 1..........most notably Gabe Davis.    But round 2 and 3 have been sketchy and I haven't loved the "draft for need" thought process in most of those picks.    Having used 3 early picks on RB's in 4 years is highly inefficient, for example.

 

I think the likelihood is that a lot of the success we are seeing from the day 2 and 3 picks is a direct result of getting Josh Allen and the vast dollars and continuity they have invested defensively.    Young players are set up to succeed or at least look good with modest contributions.    How many times did we see Bills teams draft players........have them fail in Buffalo........then go elsewhere and excel?    The big difference is that with Josh Allen steering the ship and so much investment defensively these guys can produce or look good enough in limited reps IN BUFFALO to not draw negative intention.    

Well drafting should be easier this coming year because we should be going early rounds primarily to make sure Josh has a beastly offensive line settled. 

[hemma]

5 minutes ago, Aurelius said:

Well drafting should be easier this coming year because we should be going early rounds primarily to make sure Josh has a beastly offensive line settled. 

I’m with you on OL, but may need to also slip in a fairly high WR pick.

Gabe Davis is a UFA in 2024 and it may be real tough to hold onto him.  He looks like a $15 mill per year + guy to me.