Buffalo Bills WR Khalil Shakir Has Career Game In Win Over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming into the season, Buffalo Bills receiver Khalil Shakir had the weight of high expectations on his shoulders.
After a quiet rookie campaign, Shakir earned a spot as the Bills No. 3 receiver for this season. Buffalo was still waiting for him to have that breakout game, though, as he had just eight receptions for 75 yards in the team's first seven games.
Much to the Bills' delight, Shakir's breakout game finally came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night in Buffalo. The former fifth-round pick had the best game of his young career, catching six passes for a game-high 92 yards to help the Bills pick up a much-needed 24-18 victory.
Shakir evades a tackle during Thursday's game.
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"With me it was just making the most of my opportunities and making sure I do everything I can to do my part," Shakir said after the game.
Shakir didn't just impress on the stat sheet, but had a highlight-reel moment as well. On just his second catch of the game, Shakir trucked Bucs cornerback Carlton Davis for a 21-yard gain while sending an early message.
"I can't remember the last time I decided to duck my head," Shakir said. "It felt good, though, To get out there, make a physical play."
The Bills' offense had been sluggish over the past three games, which included two losses and a very ugly win over the New York Giants. Against the Bucs, though, the offense looked much better as a whole, especially in the first half. Quarterback Josh Allen believes that it's no coincidence that the offense got going once Shakir did as well.
"That's a guy that I have a lot of trust in and obviously hasn't been too involved in the offense in the last few weeks. But to get him going, again, helps take the tension off 14 (Diggs) and once you get the attention off 14, that's when you can throw to him."
If the Bills are to play up to their offensive potential, they'll need Shakir to play like he did on Thursday to open up the passing game.
