Scott Chandler had a little bit of a breakout season in 2011. The Bills think he could break out some more.
Chandler caught six touchdown passes last season, with four coming in the Bills' first three games.
"I don’t see any reason he shouldn’t have a better year this year than he had last year," Bills coach Chan Gailey told reporters Monday. "He and Fitz (quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick) have a great feel for each other at this point in time."
Chandler signed a two-year deal in March, finally etching himself on an NFL roster for an extended period of time. He was drafted in the fourth round in 2007 by the Chargers, but the Cowboys picked him up when he was waived two years later.
After being waived by Dallas, the 26-year-old out of Iowa spent time with the Giants in the 2010 offseason before being reacquired in September of 2010 by the Cowboys when the Giants waived him. Buffalo acquired him later that season.
After being waived by Dallas, the 26-year-old out of Iowa spent time with the Giants in the 2010 offseason before being reacquired in September of 2010 by the Cowboys when the Giants waived him. Buffalo acquired him later that season.
Chandler's presence as a pass-catching tight end was a bonus for Buffalo, a team that hadn't have that luxury a year before. Now, they will depend on him to be an important part of the offense, as he's also a solid run-blocker.
"He’s made some plays down the field," Gailey said. "He’s a big target. I see nothing but more positive things happening for him in the future."
25 of Chandler's 38 receptions in 2011 were for first downs. He averaged 10.2 yards a reception.
25 of Chandler's 38 receptions in 2011 were for first downs. He averaged 10.2 yards a reception.
