Why Patriots’ Success Against Dalton Kincaid Is Great Sign for Week 5 Matchup vs. Raiders image
Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
The Patriots avoided two straight losses with a needed win against the Bills. New England secured the upset thanks to Drake Maye’s 269 passing yards and the defense providing pressure.
New England’s defense produced a sack and a fumble. While Keon Coleman had 116 receiving yards, tight end Dalton Kincaid was quiet, with seven yards on one catch.
Kincaid started the year as one of the top tight ends, with games of 130, 95, and 38 yards. However, he was limited to single digits against the Patriots.
"Felt like good coverage all day, being able to mix zone and mix man," said coach Mike Vrabel postgame via ESPN. "Having an awareness of where he (Kinkaid) is and not letting him just run free."
Up next for the Patriots is a game against the Raiders. Las Vegas has one of the best tight ends in football in Brock Bowers. Despite an injury that forced him to miss the beginning of the season, Bowers had 116 receiving yards in Week 3 and 86 in Week 4.
The 23-year-old is as dangerous as they come. However, the Patriots' defense allows the sixth-lowest yards per game (293.8). They also allow the fifth-lowest passing yards (189.8).
Vrabel believes the team is ready to get to work and must bring “awareness” regarding Bowers and other tight ends in the league.
"Again, they're feeding their tight ends. They have a great group. Certainly different play styles, but Brock is as elite as they come at that position. So, we'll have a huge challenge. We'll just be getting started here in a little bit," Vrabel said via the Patriots.
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