Dalton Kincaid drop: Bills TE’s error on failed fourth-down conversion dooms Buffalo in loss vs. Chiefs
The Bills just can’t seem to catch a break in postseason play.
The 2024 season looked to represent a new dawn for Buffalo’s franchise, which engineered another glistening season as Josh Allen laid claim to the title of league’s most valuable talent.
That sparkle seemed to continue in the playoffs; the Bills outgunned the Broncos before inching past the Ravens to set up yet another AFC championship appearance. Their opponent was a familiar one: the Chiefs.
The match was worthy of poetics. It captivated and inspired, particularly as the clock continued to dwindle.
In the game’s final moments, Buffalo needed a savior. Allen attempted to take on the responsibility. However, his last arrow tumbled to the ground and slipping past second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid.
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Here’s what you need to know.
Dalton Kincaid drop vs. ChiefsWith the clock stopped at 2:00 and the Bills facing fourth-and-five, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo crafted a masterpiece. The defensive whisperer sent a cavalcade of defenders towards Allen, each tasked with one simple instruction: make Buffalo’s spellbinder’s life hell.
Kansas City’s front seven responded in kind, with Chris Jones, George Karlaftis and others seeping into Allen’s pocket.
Allen conjured up a prayer, rolling right and evading pressure just enough to launch a lofted effort towards the rafters. As the ball came cratering down, it looked to have found a willing target in Kincaid, who readjusted his route in the hopes to reeling the unruly toss.
But just as the ball fell into his hands, it slipped through the cracks. Kincaid was unable to secure the pass.
— NFL (@NFL) January 27, 2025The Chiefs had held firm on fourth down. Five plays later, they confirmed their win, with Patrick Mahomes finding Samaje Perine for a game-clinching first down.
A closer look at Kincaid’s attempted grab revealed just how close he was to securing the football — and with it, a potential opportunity to tie the game or go for the win.
bro pic.twitter.com/1ou4Zzk6Vl
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 27, 2025Kincaid struggled with drops during the regular season, seeing six passes slip through his grasp in 13 appearances. None had the significance of his latest effort, an entry into the ever-growing list of untimely tight end drops in postseason play.
Dalton Kincaid contractKincaid inked a four-year, $13,427,023 deal with the Bills after being selected No. 25 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Kincaid, who starred at Utah prior to his matriculation into the big leagues, secured a fully-guaranteed contract that came with a signing bonus of nearly $8 million, according to Spotrac.
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