Conor Orr asked Tuesday why wideout Sammy Watkins can't play the same role in Buffalo that target-monster DeAndre Hopkins plays in Houston.
Coach Rex Ryan is listening.
After watching Watkins go without a single first-half target in Monday night's loss to the Patriots, Ryan acknowledged Tuesday that quarterback Tyrod Taylor needs to aim more passes Sammy's way.
"You try to look at the defense and put your guys in an opportunity where they can be successful. You're trying to throw to the open guy," Ryan said, per Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. "However, I think Sammy is such a talent that you can probably force the issue a little bit there. And obviously if there's one-on-ones across the board, then let's take our best shot. We'll throw up our best against your best and see what happens. Because I truly believe Sammy is that good."
Said Ryan: "We got to look at that. As we're moving forward, start taking advantage of this young man."
Watkins said earlier this season that he hoped for 10 targets per game, but he's received just 39 over his seven starts after seeing 128 targets as a rookie last season.
Nagging injuries haven't helped, but it's downright mysterious to see Watkins ignored to this degree. With Percy Harvin out of the picture, featuring your best playmaker is a painfully logical option for a team fighting for its first postseason appearance since 1999.
