Before every game, Gabe Davis takes a knee on the field and says a prayer.

He asks for strength, confidence, discipline, detail and patience.

That last one has been stressed more this season than ever before.

“He gave me a lot situations this year to be patient because there were a lot of times where I wasn’t getting the ball,” Davis said this week. “A lot of things have to line up for that to happen. It’s not to point the finger at anybody. They didn’t do this, this is why this happened, he didn’t do this. It’s just, you know, that’s the game.” 

Davis has 45 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

Those numbers aren’t too far off his career highs of 48 catches and 836 yards set last year, with the seven TDs tying a career best.

The issue has been consistency, with Davis catching two or less passes in 9 of the 16 games he’s played, including four games with no catches at all.

Where the up-and-down nature of his season has hit Davis hardest is with how he feels he can lead, especially as a first-time Bills captain. 

“One of the things that gives you that confidence to be able to speak up is going out there and helping your team win the way you want to do it,” Davis said. “For me, I know a lot of guys respect my game. They see the way I block and they commend me on it. I know Coach [Sean] McDermott comes up to me and tells me things. Joe Brady has shouted it out, but sometimes at receiver to catch the ball and score touchdowns. So when you’re not doing that you really can’t stand up with your chest out and me able to say how you feel because it’s like you’re not doing anything, why should you be able to say anything? But I know these guys know the type of work I put in.”

Then there’s the potential future ramifications that come with falling short of expected production.

Davis is in the final year of his four-year rookie contract, meaning he’s set to hit free agency this offseason.

It’s not being selfish, but rather realistic about what it takes to make the money hoped for and desired – all to set up a life for his family. 

“I know my numbers have to be in certain spot in order to get what I feel like I deserve because I feel like I put a lot of time into this game,” Davis said. “I feel like I sacrifice a lot for these guys and everything. I just know that numbers are kind of how you’re respected around the league, essentially. Guys who get paid are some of the best players and when you’re confident in yourself you feel like you’re the best player. You may not have the 1,500 yards every single year, but being the best player for that team. You could be one for one team, but not for another, but still you’re that guy and I feel like I’m a special guy for this team.”

When Davis’ next special moment will come for the Bills is unknown.

What he does know is that he’ll be ready.

“For me, just keeping the confidence was big because you feel like you’re doing something wrong when things aren’t going your way,” Davis said. “But you have to understand that everything happens for a reason and I feel like this year has definitely gave me a good view and, again, helped me become more patient and enjoy the game more.”