The Buffalo Bills’ devastating AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs ended with an incomplete pass from Josh Allen to second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid on fourth down late in the game. While some fans have directed criticism at Kincaid online, his teammates are vocally standing by his side, emphasizing the many factors that contributed to the heartbreaking defeat.
Josh Allen Steps Up to Defend Kincaid
Franchise quarterback Josh Allen was quick to redirect any blame away from his young tight end. In his post-game comments, Allen reflected on how he could have put Kincaid in better positions to succeed throughout the year:
“I got to be better for him. I didn’t feel like I put him in enough good situations this year, ball placement wise… I got to be better for him. That’s what it comes down to and get him more involved.”
– Josh Allen on Dalton Kincaid
Allen further praised Kincaid’s toughness in playing through injuries, promising that both he and Kincaid will come back stronger next season. This public show of support from the team’s leader sets the tone for how the Bills are handling the tough loss.
Teammates Reveal Extent of Kincaid’s Injuries
Fellow tight end Dawson Knox provided context for Kincaid’s challenging catch attempt, revealing that the second-year player has been battling significant injuries in both knees, including a torn PCL. Knox expressed amazement that Kincaid was even able to get his hands on Allen’s desperation heave:
“Watching that play back, I mean he’s running full speed one direction. Josh had three guys in his face and just had to throw up a pop fly and Dalton had to completely change directions and dive for the ball. The fact he even got contact on the ball is impressive, first of all.”
– Dawson Knox on Dalton Kincaid’s final play
Bills Refuse to Scapegoat Kincaid
Knox also emphasized Kincaid’s importance to the team’s success, stating that the Bills likely wouldn’t have won the AFC East or even made the playoffs without the young tight end’s contributions. Linebacker Terrel Bernard called it “unfair” to put the loss on Kincaid’s shoulders:
“There’s so many plays that it comes down to throughout a game, and we just didn’t make enough of ’em.”
– Terrel Bernard on blaming Kincaid
Bills Still Believe in McDermott
Looking ahead, the Bills still have faith that head coach Sean McDermott can lead them to the Super Bowl, despite repeatedly coming up short against the Chiefs. Allen passionately defended his coach:
“I’m just so proud of coach… He gives his life to this. I will tell you that he’s so committed to doing whatever it takes. And to see him adapt and really grow as a coach has been fun to watch.”
– Josh Allen on Sean McDermott
As the Bills cope with another disappointing playoff exit, the team is making it clear that they win and lose together. By rallying around Dalton Kincaid and refusing to point fingers, Buffalo is already taking steps to regroup, heal, and prepare for another run at the Lombardi Trophy. With leaders like Josh Allen setting the tone, this group appears to have the mental toughness and unity to bounce back stronger than ever in pursuit of that elusive championship.
