‘James Cook needs to get the ball. The Bills look like a different team when one of the best running backs in the NFL is involved early and often. Handing it off to Cook gives this offense an identity, and it spotlights a path for the group to be as dynamic as it was in 2024.’
BillsBeat - October 27, 2025
Bills first-round pick Maxwell Hairston makes his NFL debut: 'He brought his own talent'
‘He made just one solo tackle, though it was noticeable. Panthers receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. took a swing pass out of the backfield, and Hairston diagnosed it, broke on the play and made a big hit on Horn, dropping him in the open field after a 2-yard gain.’
No Taylor Rapp ... no Damar Hamlin ... old friend Jordan Poyer 'just excited' to step into Bills' lineup
‘“I’m just excited to come in and have a role and do what I can to help this team win football games.”’
Did Sean McDermott call defensive plays vs. Panthers? He and Bobby Babich 'have done it together'
‘Asked if that were the case, McDermott said it is now a joint effort between him and second-year defensive coordinator Bobby Babich. “Bobby and I have done it together,” McDermott said Sunday. “We really have. And that’ll continue. So, Bobby’s a great coach. We’ve done it together. We’ll continue to do it together.”’
Three questions after the Buffalo Bills demolish the Carolina Panthers
‘James Cook. The running back had a dominant day, surpassing 200 rushing yards in the third quarter. He had a 64-yard touchdown, his first of two scores, and finished with 216 yards on 19 carries. Cook’s previous single-game career-high was 179 rushing yards, set in Week 15 of 2023 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Bills offense stalled on an early drive when Cook was off the field, highlighting his importance to this offense. Cook’s day was done with 10:26 remaining in the game. The bench was the only thing that stopped him from racking up more yards.’
How the Bills' A.J. Epenesa intercepted Andy Dalton: Plays that shaped 40-9 win in Carolina
‘Instead of pursuing Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton, Epenesa ran around Ekwonu and leapt in the air to intercept the pass that was supposed to go to wide receiver Jalen Coker in the left flat. Epenesa returned it to the 1-yard line, which set up Josh Allen’s touchdown run in the Bills’ 40-9 win over the Panthers.’
Bills Report Card: Running game, both defensive units get glowing grades
‘Quarterback Josh Allen said it best after the win: “When you’ve got James Cook, just let him Cook.”’
5 things that stood out in Bills' emphatic Week 8 win against Panthers
‘But right now, handing the ball to James Cook and watching him work his magic is every bit as exciting to Allen as any touchdown pass or crazy touchdown run that the reigning NFL MVP can execute.’
Bills report card: James Cook, resurgent defense obliterate Panthers
‘It’s tough to say the Bills are in crisis mode with their passing game on a day when they won by 31 points and are now 5-2 on the season. But ESPN analyst Ryan Clark was correct when he tweeted during the game that Brandon Beane needs to get Allen some help because no one gets open for him. Whether that can happen is anybody’s guess, but this WR corps is so underwhelming, even on a 40-point offensive day.’
Did Buffalo Bills HC Sean McDermott call the defense in blowout win over Panthers?
‘Although McDermott stated that he’s been calling the defense along with Babich, Sunday seemed to be the first game this season where McDermott was heavily involved in the playcalling from the start of the game to its conclusion.’
Bills’ James Cook’s historic day is one no NFL running back has matched in 2025
‘Cook set a new career high with 216 rushing yards. He added two rushing scores against a Panthers defense that entered the game with a -23.5% rush defense DVOA, which ranked third in the NFL behind only the Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks.’
Bills defender was Googling stadium pictures while suspended; then dominated in debut
‘On Sunday at Bank of America Stadium, Hoecht showcased exactly why the Bills made him a priority despite the failed drug test. He lined up all over the defensive line, rushing on the edge with speed and bull rushing through guards on the interior on passing downs. He finished with 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a tackle for a loss while leading the Bills with five quarterback pressures.’
Bills DL had its most dominant performance of season, but there’s one major injury concern
‘Ed Oliver injury: Oliver left Sunday’s game in the first half with a bicep injury. Considering his importance to the defense and how quickly he was ruled out, the injury is something to be very worried about going forward.’
Watch the moment Bills and Panthers players nearly came to blows after Buffalo’s crushing victory
‘After the duo gets separated, Dawkins can be seen throwing his hat at Robinson. Both players attempted to get away from their peers, but Panthers star Derrick Brown was able to corral Robinson while Dawkins was pulled away by Bills personnel.’
Sabato: James Cook, Bills show they can still play bully-ball, but passing game needs a boost
‘Often, Allen dropped back to pass and none of his receivers were open, some through talent and some through scheme. But Allen still had early issues deciphering where pressure was coming from and other times he simply had happy feet, unnecessarily leaving the pocket.’