Buffalo Bills: Charles Clay Needs to Step up in Red Zone
By Paul Taylor
While Charles Clay had a decent first season with the Buffalo Bills, he has so much more to offer, especially when the team gets into scoring territory.
The Buffalo Bills were one of the worse offenses last season, when it came to scoring in the opponents red zone. They ranked 24th in the NFL, converting 50 percent of possessions inside the 20 into touchdowns.
For what it’s worth, this represented a step up, from 43.13 percent the previous year. Regardless, the Bills know they need to do continue to improve, as they look to finally end the league’s longest current postseason drought.
Understandably, the development of Tyrod Taylor will be key to being more efficient in the red zone. While the QB rating system has its critics, Taylor’s 88.8 rating inside the opponents 20 during 2015 still speaks volumes, when it is compared to his overall rating of 99.4.
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One thing which will help the 2015 Pro Bowler become more effective, is more production from Charles Clay. The 27-year old humbly claimed in June the Bills run a “tight end by committee”, but don’t believe this for one minute.
The Bills’ coaching staff identified numerous plays last season when Clay was open, but not targeted. This would partly explain why he had his fewest receptions and receiving yards, since becoming a full-time tight end in 2013.
As such, one of the Bills’ main goals this coming season, is to make sure the 2011 sixth round draft pick is more involved in the offense. This includes being used more in scoring territory.
Rex Ryan talked about Clay being a threat inside the 20, with The Buffalo News and the rest of the media on Thursday: “Well, you certainly want him to be, (even though) you know the defenses know that he’s out there.”
It was then put to the Bills head coach that the team needs to see more from the Little Rock, Arkansas native. However, Ryan was careful not to put too much pressure on his number one tight end.
Ryan said: “Well I’m not sure. I think we, you know, sure we’d sign up for that, that’d be great, but, we’ll see how it plays out.”
Regardless of the motive behind what he thinks – at least publicly – the former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator at least acknowledges how vital the connection between Clay and his quarterback will be: “You know, I will say this, most of our things last year were more outside, outside the numbers in the red zone throws.
“But Tyrod is doing a great job throwing the ball to the middle now. So, I think that’s something that we’re going to see more of and that’ll probably include Charles, as well.”
Whatever the former Miami Dolphin contributes this season, one thing that is clear is his commitment to the team cause. He restructured his five-year, $38 million contract back in February, which helped to free up $7.5 million in cap space for 2016.
Throw in Clay’s “tight end by committee” comment, along with his pride in helping the running game with his blocking and you have someone who’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win. Ultimately though, the Bills hope his most noticeable contribution will be grabbing more scoring passes in the opponents red zone once the regular season begins.
Next: 5 reasons the Bills will finally return to the playoffs
What kind of year are you predicting from Clay? Do you expect him to exceed last season’s production? Let us know in the comments section below.