Do the Bills Have the Best Backfield in the NFL?
The Buffalo Bills crushed the 2023 NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers 35-10 on a snowy Sunday night in Orchard Park. Quarterback Josh Allen finished the night with one of the most bizarre statistics in NFL history, becoming the first quarterback to score a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown. Running back James Cook rushed for 107 yards on 14 attempts and a single catch for 13 yards. One thing that Bills fans can be sure to take away from this utter beatdown is that this team may have the best backfield duo in the NFL.
Offensively, the Bills have scored 30-plus points in six consecutive games, dating back to October 20th in their 24-point victory over the Tennessee Titans. Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady put Allen under center on 64.3% of their snaps, emphasizing their downhill running game. This strategy worked brilliantly, as it has all season, as the Bills’ run game went for almost six yards a carry. Despite running the ball nearly 70% of the time, Buffalo dominated stacked boxes for over four yards a carry.
Second-string running back Ray Davis also dominated when he saw touches, running for 63 yards on just 11 carries and twice for over 10 yards. The passing attack took a back seat for the Bills on Sunday, as it often does in inclement weather, leaving Allen with just 148 yards on 13 of 17 attempts and two touchdowns. Having traded for wide receiver Amari Cooper, it is good to see him fitting in quite nicely, as is evident from his backyard football play with Allen, but did not have to do too much in the snow. The Bills look ready for a serious push for Super Bowl contention on the offensive side of the football.
On the other side of the ball, the Buffalo defense looked like the ‘85 Chicago Bears on Sunday night. Buffalo allowed the second-fewest yards and the third-lowest expected points added amongst any team in the NFL in Week 13. With the return of Matt Milano, the Bills defense looks to be on an upward trajectory at the right time, going into the playoffs. This team will be very tough to stop, especially if they can manage to earn the home-field advantage and the first-round bye.