Buffalo Bills: 3 reasons Gabe Davis will be even better in 2023
By Joe Cook
Reason No. 2: Gabe Davis will be another year developed
It feels like just yesterday that the Bills had rookie Gabe Davis making huge splashy plays for them. The most notable had to be the two insane sideline catches against the Colts in the playoffs. It was not until this past season that Davis was the full-time wide receiver two.
In his previous two seasons, he was behind John Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. While he did struggle at times, Davis really did have a very solid season for a number two option.
In the best season of his career thus far, Davis started 15 games, in which he caught 48 passes, for 836 yards, seven touchdowns, and averaged 17.4 yards per reception. However, he had a career-low 51.5% catch percentage and only had 48 receptions on 93 targets (the most he saw in his career by 30).
Davis was tied for the most drops in the league last year with seven. At times, Davis seemed to revert to body catching which led to some drops. In all fairness, Josh Allen throws bullets which can be hard to catch, but the drops need to be cleaned up. For context though, Stefon Diggs had six, which is unheard of.
Davis entered this past season coming off a four-touchdown performance in the playoffs that inflated his stock through the roof. The expectation for Davis was a monster season, which has directly related to what many believe was a disappointing season.
Compared to some of the other number two receivers in the league, Davis was right in the ballpark with them. One thing Davis has always been and can be counted on for is efficiency. Of his 48 receptions this season, 42 of them were for a first down or touchdown (35 for a first down, seven for a touchdown).
In his fourth year, it is fair to expect the best version of him we have seen yet. Another full off-season of development and improving on last season's deficiencies should have Davis geared up and ready to role. Not to mention, it's a contract year for him.