During the 2024 AFC Championship Game, Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid found himself at the center of controversy after a critical drop in the final minutes. As the Bills faced a 4th-and-5 situation with two minutes left in the game, trailing the Kansas City Chiefs 32-29, Kincaid was unable to secure a diving catch that could have kept their hopes alive. The play, a Hail Mary pass from quarterback Josh Allen, was aimed at Kincaid, who appeared to get his hands on the ball but could not bring it in as he fell to the ground. This moment quickly became a focal point of criticism, with fans mocking the rookie tight end for the miss.
However, despite the wave of criticism from some fans, Kincaid’s teammates stepped up to support him and emphasize that he was not solely responsible for the loss. They noted that the game was far more complex and involved many missed opportunities throughout, not just one play.
After the game, the Bills gathered to address the situation with the media. Josh Allen, in particular, took responsibility for the play and avoided placing blame on Kincaid. Instead of criticizing his rookie teammate, Allen acknowledged that he could have been better in delivering the pass and creating more positive opportunities for Kincaid during the season.
“I need to improve for him,” Allen said. “I felt like I didn’t create enough positive opportunities for him this year, in terms of ball placement.”
The quarterback’s comments highlighted his leadership and accountability. He emphasized that Kincaid could certainly reflect on the play and think about what could have been done differently, but Allen made it clear that he, as the quarterback, needed to improve in his role. He took the responsibility for the throw and acknowledged that the ball placement could have been better, which might have given Kincaid a better chance to make the catch.
Dawson Knox, the Bills’ other tight end, also came to Kincaid’s defense, further emphasizing the difficulty of the play. Knox praised Kincaid for managing to get a touch on the ball, considering the challenge of adjusting to the pass in mid-air. Knox noted that making the adjustment in such a high-pressure moment was impressive, underscoring that Kincaid’s effort should not be overlooked, despite the drop.
“It’s impressive that Dalton was able to get a hand on the ball, given the way he had to adjust his movement in mid-air,” Knox said. “It was a tough situation, and he showed a lot of skill in even getting close to making the catch.”
Knox’s words were a testament to Kincaid’s effort and determination in a critical moment. Rather than blaming the rookie, Knox highlighted the skill involved in making a play under pressure, which many fans may have missed in their rush to criticize.
Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard also defended Kincaid, calling the criticism he faced “unjust.” Bernard pointed out that there were numerous other moments throughout the game where the Bills had missed opportunities, and it was unfair to single out Kincaid for one play. According to Bernard, the loss was a team effort, and there were several factors that contributed to Buffalo’s defeat.
“It’s unjust that Dalton is getting criticized for that play,” Bernard said. “There were other moments in the game where we had chances, and we didn’t capitalize on them. It’s not fair to put everything on him.”
Bernard’s comments reinforced the idea that football is a team sport, and the outcome of a game is determined by many factors. While Kincaid’s drop was a pivotal moment, it was not the sole reason for the Bills’ defeat, and the linebacker made it clear that the team needed to look at the bigger picture.
In addition to the pressure of the moment, it was later revealed that Kincaid was playing through a significant injury during the game. Reports indicated that he was competing despite suffering a torn PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), which made his performance all the more impressive. Playing through such an injury in the AFC Championship Game showed Kincaid’s resilience and commitment to his team, even when dealing with pain and discomfort.
The rookie tight end had recorded two receptions for 13 yards in the game, contributing to the Bills’ offense, but the missed catch was the defining moment for many fans. Despite the tough loss, Kincaid’s efforts did not go unnoticed by his teammates, who respected his ability to play through injury and perform under pressure.
Looking Ahead
As the Bills reflect on the tough loss to the Chiefs, Kincaid’s development will be crucial moving forward. While the rookie faced criticism after the game, he showed tremendous potential throughout the season, and with the support of his teammates, he will likely grow stronger from this experience. The Bills’ leadership, particularly from Josh Allen, has set a tone of accountability, showing that the team will learn from the loss and continue to build on their strengths as they prepare for future seasons.
In the end, the missed catch was just one moment in a game filled with highs and lows, and the Bills will continue to support Kincaid as he develops into a key contributor for the team.