Buffalo Rumblinks, 10/27: Bills get back in the win column vs. Panthers

Observations, analysis, report cards and game recaps from Buffalo’s 40-9 trouncing of the Panthers.

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What is the story about?

The Buffalo Bills (5-2) relied on a tremendous performance from running back James Cook and a dominant defensive effort to get back in the win column with a 40-9 trouncing of the Carolina Panthers (4-4) Sunday afternoon in Charlotte.

The win snaps Buffalo’s two-game losing streak and helps the Bills keep pace with the New England Patriots in the AFC East.

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks offers up observations and analysis as the Bills avoided the first three-game slide in Josh Allen’s NFL career.

Observations and analysis from Bills’ win

Entering Sunday, the Carolina Panthers boasted the NFL’s third-best rushing defense, and they had not allowed a run longer than eight yards during their three-game winning streak. On Buffalo’s first offensive play, after forcing a three-and-out, James Cook broke off a 12-yard run off the left end, a sign of things to come for Buffalo’s Pro Bowl running back.

Cook finished with a career-high (and league-most) 216 rushing yards on just 19 carries, averaging 11.4 yards per rush while scoring two touchdowns, including a 64-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter that put the Bills ahead 12-3. While Cook was awesome and found running room time and time again, Buffalo’s offensive line once again proved it is one of the league’s best units. Of concern was the passing game, as Josh Allen struggled to get anything going downfield. Outside of a masterful job getting yards after the catch when Khalil Shakir took a screen pass, broke tackles and found the end zone for a 54-yard TD, the team had just one passing play longer than 20 yards (Dalton Kincaid’s lone reception went for 23 yards).

On the defensive side of the ball, Buffalo never let Andy Dalton and the Panthers get comfortable, generating pressure from the first series of the game. The Bills forced three turnovers (an interception and two fumbles) and finished with seven sacks, as defensive end/linebacker Michael Hoecht immediately showcased his skills, recording 1.5 sacks with a tackle for a loss, two quarterback hits, six quarterback pressures and a forced fumble. Defensive end A.J. Epenesa also had a sack and came away with an impressive interception, while Ed Oliver, Greg Rousseau, and Joey Bosa added sacks in the rout.

Speaking of Oliver, that was one of the few negatives on the day, as Oliver left the game with a biceps injury. The team and Bills Mafia are hoping it isn’t a season-ending injury. Plus, recapping rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston’s NFL debut; find out whether defensive coordinator Bobby Babich had help from head coach Sean McDermott when it came to calling the plays; and more!

Report cards and positional grades

Catch up on report cards to see what players are trending up and whose stock is on the decline following Buffalo’s big road win over the Panthers.

Recapping Buffalo’s 40-9 win over Carolina

A run through the biggest plays that influenced the outcome of Sunday’s blowout win, along with game recaps.

Bills react after win in Carolina

Hear from head coach Sean McDermott, quarterback Josh Allen, running back James Cook, left tackle Dion Dawkins, and defensive end A.J. Epenesa following Buffalo’s bounce-back win.