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Buffalo Bills: Breaking down top plays of Gabriel Davis

By Matthew Hodowany

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 26: Gabriel Davis #13 of the UCF Knights catches a pass and runs for the ball against Ayron Monroe #13 of the Temple Owls in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 26: Gabriel Davis #13 of the UCF Knights catches a pass and runs for the ball against Ayron Monroe #13 of the Temple Owls in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 31: Gabriel Davis #13 of the UCF Knights makes a touchdown reception in front of Emmanuel Lubin #20 of the FIU Panthers and Treyvon Williams #52 of the FIU Panthers during a NCAA football game between the Florida International Panthers and UCF Knights at Spectrum Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 31: Gabriel Davis #13 of the UCF Knights makes a touchdown reception in front of Emmanuel Lubin #20 of the FIU Panthers and Treyvon Williams #52 of the FIU Panthers during a NCAA football game between the Florida International Panthers and UCF Knights at Spectrum Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

Redzone Threat

In addition to the long ball, Davis was extremely efficient inside the 20-yard line as well as the red zone. In what came to be his hallmark route with a post crossing into the middle of the endzone, the example below against East Carolina University showcases it the best.

On a third-and-nine on the ECU 16-yard line, Davis weaves through the ECU secondary to score his second touchdown of the game. At the snap of the ball, Davis runs a 10-yard streak towards the endzone. It is at this point where the defensive back covering him thinks that he has him covered. Davis then gradually turns his route from a fly to a slant and is delivered the ball. The throw from quarterback Dillon Gabriel is a little out in front of him so Davis extends his arms to reel in the ball, he shakes off an ankle-tackle and crosses the goal line for six.

All season long Davis was near unbeatable on any type of post or slant route. Given the effectiveness these plays were when ran by UCF, it was almost a given that Davis would be targeted on any play inside the 20.

Though effective, it is currently uncertain if Davis will get the chance this season to run those types of play given the current structure of the Buffalo Bills receiving core. Since they currently have Stefon Diggs, John Brown and Cole Beasley as their starting three, Davis could see field time in a four-wide setup. Having Davis on the field during these short-yardage situations would give Allen a safety net is the post route is ran effectively, but it is highly unlikely he will start come 2020.

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