The tight end has long been an ignored position in Buffalo, and while the Bills' new coaching staff hinted that things would be different this season, they haven't been.
Through seven games, Buffalo's tight ends have combined for 11 catches for 99 yards and one TD. That's a better pace than a year ago when the output for 16 games was 25 catches for 169 yards and one score.
But only a tad better.
There was an encouraging sign in the Bills' 28-6 loss to New England before Buffalo broke for the bye. Tight end Robert Royal caught a season-high four passes for 36 yards, including a long of 21 yards when he made a twisting catch over the middle against strong safety Rodney Harrison.
"It just happened to be one of those games where the coaches called a few plays that were designed for me," said Royal, who at 6-foot-4, 257 pounds makes a fine target. "I was able to get open and make a few plays, but obviously not enough plays to make us win the ballgame."
Getting Royal, second-year man Kevin Everett and young veteran Ryan Neufeld more involved could solve some of Buffalo's problems on offense, particularly on third down, where Buffalo's 28.6 percent conversion rate (24 of 84) ranked 31st in the NFL at the bye.
Fifty-two times the Bills have faced a third-and-6 or more, and they converted it just seven times. Quarterback J.P. Losman was the 31st-ranked passer on third down with zero TDs and four interceptions.
After an encouraging first month of the season, Buffalo's offense has regressed. Buffalo ranked 30th in yards, 29th in passing, 23rd in rushing, 30th in sacks allowed, and 28th in points while falling to 2-5.
Throwing to the tight end with purpose, an obvious option for a young, struggling QB, just hasn't materialized with Losman.
Royal has nine catches for 94 yards, Everett just one catch for 1 yard, and Neufeld one catch for 4 yards and the group's only TD.
The Bills called Royal an underrated receiver when they signed him as a free agent from the Redskins. Everett, who starred at the University of Miami and was a third-round draft pick in 2005 before undergoing knee surgery, could stretch the field if given the chance.
Royal's big catch against Harrison should give coordinator Steve Fairchild confidence in him.
"I think they were playing Cover 2 and I was able to get past their linebackers and make a play," Royal said. "Whenever you catch the ball down the middle, you have to prepare yourself to get hit. Getting hit is part of the game."
Royal's positive attitude is serving his teammates well in the locker room. Last season, he was part of a Redskins team that was 5-6 but won its last five games to make the playoffs.
"We just have to continue to work hard," Royal said. "We are not that far away at all. I think we still have some growing pains to go through, obviously, with the new players and the new coaching staff. We are doing some things this year that are different than guys were used to who have been here. That isn't an excuse for not getting things done, but we just have to look at the tape and be critical of ourselves, and see some things that we need to start doing."
Like throwing to the tight ends?
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