The [Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) have plenty to consider when Josh Allen breaks the pocket. Dalton Kincaid gives them a difficult decision before the quarterback ever reaches that point.
Buffalo’s tight end entered Week 4 with 263 receiving yards, the most among NFL tight ends through three games, according to Patriots.com’s matchup analysis. That production makes the middle of the field a significant concern for New England. Kincaid can threaten a defense vertically and separate on shorter routes, forcing defenders to balance the immediate completion against the possibility of a bigger gain.
For a Patriots defense managing injuries, the assignment could influence more than one coverage matchup.
Craig Woodson’s Availability Could Change The Options
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Safety Craig Woodson traveled to Buffalo while listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. The trip kept open the possibility of his return after missing the Jacksonville game.
New England used Jaylen Reed alongside Kevin Byard III last week. Patriots.com reported that the reduced safety depth also pushed the defense away from some of its three-safety packages. Woodson’s availability therefore could affect how the Patriots match Buffalo’s formations and distribute coverage responsibilities.
It would not automatically settle the Kincaid assignment. New England still has to decide which defender can stay with him and how much assistance that defender needs.
Against a receiving tight end, those choices can become particularly difficult when the offense also presents a credible running threat. Moving a safety toward the line creates one opportunity; keeping him deep can leave another underneath.
**MORE**: [Patriots vs. Bills Injury Report: Final Inactive Players List for Week 4 Game](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots/news/patriots-vs-bills-injury-report-inactive-players-list-week-4/98061291ad123740a5233e60)
Kincaid Can Force Help Away From Other Threats
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The concern extends beyond whether Kincaid makes a catch. If his routes demand extra attention, Buffalo can benefit elsewhere.
A safety helping on a seam route has less freedom to support another receiver. A defender committed to carrying Kincaid downfield has a harder time reacting when Allen leaves the pocket.
That is why the Patriots’ coverage decisions need to fit their pass-rush approach. Asking defenders to stay attached to receivers while allowing Allen an escape route can turn a well-covered play into a damaging gain. Kincaid’s early production gives Buffalo a reason to keep testing that balance. New England’s answer will depend on available personnel, communication and disciplined assignments.
Containing Allen starts with limiting the choices around him. Kincaid is one of the choices the Patriots cannot afford to overlook.
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