Overview
- James Cook rushed for 216 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns in Buffalo’s 40-9 victory at Carolina, the most by a Bills player since 1976 and a franchise top-six single-game total.
- Blocking dominated the day as Cook gained 141 yards before first contact, per Next Gen Stats, with 12 of Buffalo’s 23 first downs coming on the ground.
- Josh Allen went 12-of-19 for 163 yards with three total touchdowns but the downfield passing game again sputtered, which he attributed in part to footwork and progression issues.
- Coach Sean McDermott said defensive tackle Ed Oliver tore his left biceps and will need surgery, leaving Buffalo’s interior line thin and his return timeline uncertain.
- Now 5-2, the Bills host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in a matchup that will gauge whether their run-led approach and improved pass rush hold up against elite competition as the trade deadline nears.