RECORD BREAKING: How Khalil Shakir has emerged as a playmaker in the Buffalo offense…
At 22 years old, Khalil Shakir experienced his breakout performance during his rookie season against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 of 2022. On just his fifth career target, Shakir showcased his athleticism by making an impressive catch in triple coverage. The former fifth-round pick secured his first career touchdown later in the game, exhibiting his skills with a low reception from Josh Allen and successfully shaking off a defender on his way to the end zone.
Fast forward approximately 15 months, and Shakir once again demonstrated his impact in a game against the Steelers—this time during the Super Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs. Establishing himself as a crucial part of the Bills’ offense, Shakir played a key role as the Bills, who had a 21-point lead late in the second quarter, found themselves leading the Steelers by just a touchdown with 6:30 remaining in the fourth quarter.
In a pivotal moment, quarterback Josh Allen targeted Shakir on a quick slant around the Pittsburgh 15-yard line. Despite being met by Pittsburgh safety Minkah Fitzpatrick just a few yards off the line of scrimmage—an apparent ending point for the play—Shakir showcased resilience. Fitzpatrick, unable to bring him down, made the mistake of throwing Shakir to the ground. Demonstrating remarkable agility, Shakir stabilized himself just inches from the ground, backpedaled, and turned around to fight his way into the end zone—a play dubbed by broadcaster Jim Nantz as “the play of the night.”
Reflecting on the game, Shakir commented on Fitzpatrick’s failure to wrap up, emphasizing the rapid pace of on-field reactions. For former Bills receiver Eric Moulds, who trains with Shakir during the offseason, the play was not surprising. Moulds, a three-time Pro Bowler, attested to Shakir’s readiness to make a name for himself, citing the hard work put in during the summer.
Shakir’s impressive statistics further underscore his impact, with a league-high 14.3 percent catch rate above expected and a streak of 16 consecutive catches dating back to Week 16. Despite averaging just over 2.5 targets per game, Shakir has emerged as a reliable weapon for Allen, boasting an impressive 13.6 yards per target—currently the highest in the NFL. Moulds, offering guidance to Shakir on refining seemingly minor details, emphasized the young receiver’s versatility, noting his contributions to blocking plays and his progression towards becoming a well-rounded receiver within the Bills’ offensive scheme. Despite being targeted less frequently than other key players, Shakir’s increased usage over the season highlights his growing importance in the team’s dynamic.
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