Buffalo Bills: 5 key matchups vs. New York Jets in Week 11
By Brandon Ray
5.) Tyler Conklin vs. Buffalo Bills’ linebackers
It is no secret that Sean McDermott likes his linebackers to play in zone coverage, while also being able to play man coverage against opposing tight ends. In the last two weeks, the Jets have utilized tight end Tyler Conklin in the passing game.
In Week 9 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Conklin was targeted 6 times and caught all 6 passes for 66 yards. Last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, Conklin was targeted 7 times and caught all 7 passes for 70 yards. It’s nothing special, but he has been a reliable target when thrown to.
Whether it will be Terrel Bernard or even Dorian Williams playing coverage, they will need to take away the security blanket in Conklin and make Wilson throw the ball down the field. The Bills’ defense has allowed dump-off passes that have turned into bigger gains. While Conklin doesn’t serve as the type to turn up field to make a big play, he can be reliable on third down to keep the chains moving.