‘[Bleep] Happens’ But 'Big Game' Buffalo Bills WR Gabe Davis Remains Unfazed
Gabe Davis didn't say the quiet part aloud.
Instead, the Buffalo Bills' fourth-year receiver let his play do the talking.
With the team already operating in postseason mode, Davis delivered a “Pay Me” performance in Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The free-agent-to-be went for a game-high 130 yards receiving and one touchdown in a 24-22 road win on Saturday that bumped the Bills (9-6) into an AFC Playoffs spot with the chance to control their own destiny the rest of the way.
Davis, a 2020 fourth-round draft pick, had no catches on three total targets over the past two games prior to the eruption in L.A.
“It feels good. The last three, four weeks been a struggle — not being able to get my hands on the ball as much,” said Davis following his third 100-yard receiving performance of the season. “This week showed that if you throw me the ball, I can make the plays. I was happy to be able to go out there and do what I did today. Hopefully, consistently keep that going.”
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The big-play receiver, who earned the nickname “Big Game Gabe” for his playoff success beginning as a rookie, has been a boom-or-bust fantasy option this season. He has five big games to his credit, going for at least 87 yards and one touchdown in 33 percent of appearances. On the contrary, he has been responsible for four donuts and one six-yard performance over the course of 15 outings.
“I'm playing the game that I love. Life ain't perfect. [Bleep] happens, adversity comes, you just got to be able to fight through it,” said Davis.
Despite the lack of consistent statistical production, Davis has remained an important part of the offense throughout the season. His playing time hasn't suffered one bit since the Bills made a mid-season change at offensive coordinator, opting to replace Ken Dorsey with quarterbacks coach Joe Brady.
In Week 11, Davis did not earn a single target in the passing game while logging 87 percent of snaps during a 32-6 home win over the Jets. On the field for his ability to run block, as well as scheme other receivers open as part of the aerial attack, Davis’s 67 snaps led all Bills’ skill position players that day.
“Gabe Davis had zero catches in the game, but, in my mind, was the Player of the Game,” said Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady following the Nov. 19 victory. “It was a selfless mindset, what he was doing in the run game, what he was doing in the pass game to get guys open. Oftentimes, we see stats and it doesn't paint the whole picture of how the game is being played.”
Even with the statistical duds sprinkled throughout his game log, Davis’ overall receiving numbers are still respectable for a WR2 in today’s NFL. He has 725 yards receiving and seven touchdowns on 43 catches.
He has made at least six touchdown grabs in all four seasons as a pro, totaling no fewer than 549 yards since entering the league in 2020. Davis averages 16.8 yards per reception over his 62-game career.
It all adds up to a handsome contract this upcoming offseason. The Bills will be cap-strapped, but they need to find a way to keep their former fourth-round draft gem.
By the looks of the market, it’s going to be somewhat pricey. Allen Lazard got a four-year, $44 million deal from the Jets last offseason as a WR2 coming off a 788-yard season. Meanwhile, Davis made four times as many touchdown catches in a single 2021 AFC Division Playoffs game as Lazard has in 14 games as a Jet.
Could Davis command a contract in the three-year, $54 million range? I say, why not?!
So yea, “[s–t] happens,” but it’s not enough to stop “Big Game Gabe” from betting a big-time payday.
