For years, the Buffalo Bills were seen as a team unable to establish a solid running game apart from quarterback Josh Allen. While Allen has proven to be a dual-threat with his powerful arm and mobility, the Bills needed to strengthen their rushing attack. In 2022, they drafted running back James Cook from Georgia, and after a year of acclimation, Cook has emerged as one of the league’s top backs.
As Week 8 approached, Cook had already amassed 341 rushing yards and five touchdowns, surpassing his total from the previous two seasons. His partnership with rookie Ray Davis has bolstered Buffalo’s ground game, allowing Allen to focus more on passing.
The Bills showcased their improved rushing attack in a commanding 31-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8, a game in which Cook played a crucial role.
Cook ended the game with 17 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns, along with three receptions for 22 yards. After the game, Allen praised Cook for his hard running, highlighting his ability to gain extra yards despite not being the most physical back in the league. As the weather cools in Buffalo, Cook will need to maintain his productivity and continue fighting for those critical yards.
Since becoming the starting quarterback, Allen has had a tumultuous relationship with turnovers, throwing 78 interceptions and fumbling 63 times. Last season was particularly rough, with 18 interceptions, but this year has seen a marked improvement. Although he has fumbled four times, he has yet to throw an interception and has accumulated 15 total touchdowns (12 passing).
As the Bills prepare to face the Seahawks, CBS Sports writer Garrett Podell speculated that Allen could maintain his interception-free streak in Seattle, despite his history of turnovers. The Seahawks’ defense, which has recorded four interceptions this season, will aim to disrupt Buffalo’s offense.
Despite struggling with injuries, the Bills have managed a 5-2 record. However, they received more bad news when rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter was ruled out due to a wrist injury that will require surgery, potentially sidelining him for several weeks. Coach Sean McDermott confirmed Carter’s injury but didn’t commit to placing him on injured reserve. Carter has been a strong contributor on defense, making significant plays and helping keep linebackers clean.
The Bills’ recent 31-10 victory marked their first complete domination since Week 3. Allen had another strong outing, throwing for 283 yards and two touchdowns, although he did throw his first interception of the season. Cook took full advantage of Seattle’s weak run defense, while receivers Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman made notable contributions as well.
Buffalo’s defense effectively shut down Seattle’s rushing attack, limiting them to just 32 yards and preventing quarterback Geno Smith from finding the end zone. The win improved the Bills’ record to 6-2, giving them a commanding lead in the AFC East, ahead of the Dolphins, who sit at 2-5.
As the Bills gear up to host the Dolphins next week, they look to build on their recent success, having showcased both offensive and defensive prowess against the Seahawks.
Leave a Reply