The Buffalo Bills made a statement in the 40-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Quarterback Josh Allen started a bit slow in the contest, but wound up heating up in the second half. Allen finished his day going 12-for-19 with 163 yards and a touchdown while adding three carries for seven yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
In the victory, Allen surpassed Cam Newton for the most games in NFL history by a quarterback with one passing and one rushing touchdown in the same game. He is now tied with Newton for the most rushing touchdowns, including playoffs, in NFL history.
Allen spoke to the media and offered an “unbelievable” response when asked about the contest and his running back, James Cook. Allen was initially asked about the defense balling out and how it made it easier for the offense, to which Allen quickly brought up Cook.
The reigning MVP also offered some harsh criticism of himself, understanding that the first-half performance needs some cleaning up.
“Yeah, I thought it was complimentary,” Allen said. “Obviously, AJ Epenesa with the pick right before the half, getting another six. Nice little double dip there. James is playing outstanding right now, our O-line is giving him a lot of holes but he’s just making some unbelievable cuts and outrunning people. Doing what James Cook does.
“Gotta be better, myself in that first half, I just felt like I wasn’t getting myself into a rhythm, I wasn’t trusting my feet, I was forcing a couple of things,” Allen said. “Couple things just didn’t go our way, so I got to be better on that aspect, but found a way, I think we were pretty good on third downs today. Moved the sticks and I think still there’s a lot to clean up which is the exciting thing.”
James Cook was electric in the victory
While Allen is the reigning MVP and the face of the franchise, Cook had a monster day and deserves his flowers in a big way. Cook is one of the most elusive backs in the NFL, and put the league on notice in the victory over the Panthers.
Allen was asked about Cook’s performance and made sure to give the talented running back his flowers. Anytime the quarterback can put his hands up and watch a 64-yard touchdown is a good day in his book, as Allen shared with the media postgame.
“Yeah, I think if you look at the efficiency that he’s had [ . . . ] I mean he’s playing outstanding,” Allen said. “I think the more times we can get the ball in his hands, the better that we’re going to be. Same thing with 10, with Khalil, just again getting the ball in his hands and letting him make some plays for us. I love handing it off and getting to throw my hands up from 50 yards out, you know.”
Cook finished his day with over 200 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns, a huge reason why Buffalo was able to walk out of Carolina with a victory. Allen was asked about being an elite passer turned into an elite game manager when Cook is going off, and what it means for him. Allen kept things short and sweet, once again showering his running back with praise.
“I mean, when you got James Cook, just let him cook,” Allen said.
Cook’s breakout and Allen’s leadership gave Buffalo exactly what it needed after the bye: a dominant, complete performance on both sides of the ball.
If this is the version of the Bills that shows up down the stretch, the AFC better take notice.
