Although the Buffalo Bills are led by MVP quarterback Josh Allen, they’ve been content with being run-first.
James Cook had another monster day for the Bills in Sunday’s blowout win over the Carolina Panthers. Cook ran for 216 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns to help the Bills remain undefeated coming off a bye week under coach Sean McDermott.
The Bills lead the league in rushing yards, while the passing game is still great, and Allen has played well, running the ball has been the recipe for success. The Bills offense is outside the top 10 in passing yards this season.
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 26: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after defeating the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
Josh Allen ‘Not Concerned’ By Lagging Passing Game
Allen addressed the identity of the offense in a postgame news conference as the passing game struggled in the first half before opening it up in the second half, en route to a 40-9 victory.
“I’ve gotta be better myself in that first half,” Allen said. I just felt like I wasn’t get myself into rhythm. So, I gotta be better.”
“I’m not concerned at all,” he added. “It’s an easy clean up and again it’s just trysting the guys out there, trusting my feet and putting the ball where it needs to be.
‘The more times we get the ball in (Cook’s) hand the better we’re gonna be. I mean, I love handing it off and getting to throw my hands up from 50 yards out. When you got James Cook, let him cook.”
McDermott Praises Cook Postgame
McDermott also addressed the identity of the offense postgame, saying it’s Cook’s mindset this season that has led to his success.
“I know the value of being a two-dimensional offense,” McDermott said. “I love the run game. I do value physical football. (Cook’s) of the mindset that he’s going, he’s going. That’s a collective mindset.”
Allen Entered History Books
Allen, who was 12-for-19 on 163 yards passing, accounted for three touchdowns in the game. He passed for one and rushed for two.
He also set a new NFL record as the first player to both rush and pass for a touchdown in 46 games, surpassing the previous mark held by former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Allen now has 77 career rushing touchdowns (including playoffs), tying him with Newton for the most ever by a quarterback.
Allen improved to 8-0 following the bye week and McDermott improved to 9-0 after the bye.
“I think it’s the way that our guys handle (the bye),” Allen said. “Just making sure that we’re practicing the right way. Coming off two losses it’s been lingering with us, so we wanted to come out and put our best foot forward — and we did that.”
The one down side to Sunday’s performance were injuries on defense.
Ed Oliver exited in the first half with a biceps injury, leaving the Bills without both of their starting defensive tackles. McDermott had no update on Oliver’s condition, while DT DaQuan Jones had already been ruled out before the game.
The Bills host Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday.
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