Jackson Hawes’ Surprising Decline in Performance
The early excitement surrounding Buffalo Bills rookie tight end Jackson Hawes has taken a sharp downturn. What began as a promising start to the season has quickly turned into a challenging stretch for the fifth-round draft pick from Georgia Tech. After making notable contributions in the first few games, including a 29-yard catch in the thrilling season opener against the Baltimore Ravens and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, Hawes now finds himself grappling with a significant slump.
A Diminished Role in the Offense
In the last two games, the Bills have struggled, and Hawes has not received a single target. His season totals stand at just four catches for 54 yards, effectively relegating him to a role akin to a sixth offensive lineman in offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s system. This decline in production coincides with the Bills’ overall performance, as the team has faced back-to-back defeats against the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons.
Statistics Tell the Story
Hawes’ recent performances have not only affected his receptions but also his effectiveness as a blocker. In the loss to the Falcons, he received a disappointing PFF grade of 46.9, which marks a dramatic fall from his previous standing as the top rookie according to Pro Football Focus. He now sits in second place among rookies with a grade of 83.7, trailing Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori, who holds an 84.8 rating.
PFF’s assessment of Hawes highlights both his strengths and weaknesses. He performed admirably in pass blocking, achieving a grade of 73.7 without allowing any pressures across three snaps. However, he struggled significantly in run blocking, earning a low 43.5 grade in gap schemes and an overall run-blocking grade of just 47.3. This marks the second time in three weeks that he has fallen below the 60.0 threshold.
Looking Ahead
As the Bills approach their bye week, it appears to be a critical moment for both the team and Hawes. The rookie tight end will need to regroup and find a way to regain his early-season form. The hope is that the break will provide him with the opportunity to recalibrate and re-establish his role within a struggling offense.
As the Bills continue to navigate this challenging phase, the performance of Jackson Hawes will be a focal point. The team and its fans are eager to see if he can bounce back and contribute meaningfully in the upcoming games.
