Dawson Knox, Spencer Brown Cited by PFF

[Mat68]

8 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

What still interests me on Knox vs Kincaid is how differently they are used. When Knox is in they use him down the field. When Kincaid is in they use him around the line. It's stark. Knox's average yards per target before catch is 10.4; whereas Kincaid's is 4.3 There is obviously something they prefer in Knox's ability down the field and it helps our offense IMO to have a tight end they think can threaten deeper. It's a worry to me if they still have no confidence in Kincaid to do that. I thought Brady had figured it out a bit late last year, but nope, back to everything short and RAC chances in 2024. 

 

The numbers back you up. 

Knox is a better athlete.  Kincaid has better short area quickness and route savvy.  I think they were starting to use Kincaid more down field instead of outlets.  Early on he was getting a-lot of attention from defenses too.  

[JP51]

Kincaid needs to take the next step for sure and I think he can... Knox is who he is... a nicely serviceable TE with solid blocking abilities... personally I dont think its a Knox/Kincaid face off... I think its 12 personnel I think the offense is better when they are both in there... 

[2003Contenders]

1 hour ago, Logic said:

 

While I, like you two, am unable to pinpoint exactly what the problem is, one thing seems clear to me: The offense looks more effective when Dawson Knox is TE1 than when Kincaid is TE1.

The two main areas in which Knox is currently superior to Kincaid -- blocking and downfield ability -- are two things that really help our offense as currently constructed. We have short area YAC guys already in Shakir, Samuel, and Cook. A big-bodied threat down the seam and a guy that helps more in the running game seems more valuable at this point in time than what Kincaid offers.

Here's hoping Brady figures out how to effectively deploy BOTH once Kincaid returns. But in the meantime, I'm fine with seeing more Knox and less Kincaid.

Excellent points.

 

Folks' observations about Knox looking better than Kincaid are also justified by stats...

Kincaid has hauled in 34 of 59 targets that Josh has thrown his way (57.63%) for 356 yards. That is 10.47 yards per catch and 6.03 yards per attempt.

Knox has hauled in 14 of 22 targets (63.64%) for 226 yards. That is an amazing (especially for a TE) 16 yards per catch and 10.27 yards per attempt.

 

Knox is also clearly the better blocker and has a knack for making big plays at the right time.

 

This is not an indictment of Dalton, who came into the league as a much more polished pass-catcher than Knox did. Also, going into the season there was a great deal of hype (even in fantasy circles) about Kincaid possibly being the focal point of the passing game -- and it does seem like defenses have been dead-set on limiting him, especially in the first half of the season. Even with him missing the last few games with the bum knee, he is still #2 in targets (behind Shakir), so Brady indeed has made an effort to get the ball to him. I am hopeful that the time off has allowed Dalton to digest some of the mental parts of the game. Once everyone in healthy and on the field at the same time, maybe things will open up more for him.

 

[Toledo Bill]

Would it be safe to say that if Knox didn't have early career issues with drops we would not have drafted Kincaid? I was an early Knox basher but am feeling that he is a solid contributor now. Kincaid is more of a big slot receiver than a tight end.