With the release of running back Tashard Choice, Buffalo had a roster spot to fill. That spot went to former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Moeaki.
The question now is where the 26-year-old fits into the offense, and the answer might be alongside his former Iowa teammate, fellow tight end Scott Chandler.
"I came when he was a junior and we both worked together there in two-tight end sets for two years, so I know Scott pretty well,” Moeaki said Wednesday, via buffalobills.com. "It helps to have a friend on the team at the same position that you’ve played with, especially in this situation, new city, new team, so it’s nice."
What would be nice for Buffalo's offense — and quarterback E.J. Manuel in particular — is if some of that collegiate chemistry can be put to good use in the passing game. While Buffalo quarterbacks have their best QB rating in two-tight-end sets (81.6), the team has run more than twice the amount of plays in a one-tight-end set, with weaker numbers (74.3).
Moeaki is a proven receiver, tallying more than 1,000 yards in two combined seasons of play, and the team's other two tight ends, Lee Smith and Chris Gragg, have not seen much action.
An increase in tight end targets could help with the team's third down conversion woes as well, which has been particularly dreadful in the second half of games this year, as Chris Brown pointed out Wednesday.
The biggest concern for Buffalo with their new acquisition will be his health, as Moeaki has missed nearly two seasons due to various injuries. He sat out all of 2011 with a knee injury and has missed every game this season while rehabbing a fractured shoulder.
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Moeaki is a proven receiver, tallying more than 1,000 yards in two combined seasons of play, and the team's other two tight ends, Lee Smith and Chris Gragg, have not seen much action.
An increase in tight end targets could help with the team's third down conversion woes as well, which has been particularly dreadful in the second half of games this year, as Chris Brown pointed out Wednesday.
The biggest concern for Buffalo with their new acquisition will be his health, as Moeaki has missed nearly two seasons due to various injuries. He sat out all of 2011 with a knee injury and has missed every game this season while rehabbing a fractured shoulder.
Follow Dan @DanBegnoche
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
