The Buffalo Bills leaned on their rushing attack once again to secure a 31-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Highmark Stadium, improving to 4-0 on the season. Here’s how each unit graded out:
Running Game: A
James Cook continues to validate his new contract extension, leading the way with 117 yards and a touchdown on 5.3 yards per carry. His ability to gain extra yards after contact kept the chains moving, especially in the second half when Buffalo racked up 106 rushing yards. Josh Allen added 45 yards, including a critical 27-yard scramble on third down, and also found the end zone on the ground. Depth backs Ray Davis and Ty Johnson were nearly invisible, combining for just two carries. Elijah Moore recorded his fourth straight game with a rushing attempt.
Cook’s Exceptional Start to 2025
Since signing his contract extension before the season, Cook has looked like one of the league’s most complete backs. Through four games, he has topped 100 scrimmage yards three times and scored four total touchdowns. His vision, balance, and knack for turning short gains into drive-sustaining runs have been central to Buffalo’s undefeated start. With defenses forced to respect his consistency, Cook has opened up the play-action passing game for Josh Allen. The Bills have long searched for a dependable lead back, and Cook’s early-season performance suggests they’ve finally found their answer.
Passing Game: B-
Allen was efficient, completing 16 of 22 passes for 209 yards and two scores. Dalton Kincaid’s lone reception—a 28-yard touchdown—was perfectly timed after Allen’s long scramble. Khalil Shakir stood out with five catches for 69 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown. Rookie Keon Coleman added 45 yards, while Joshua Palmer chipped in 25. Jackson Hawes caught his first NFL pass for 15 yards, but Dawson Knox was a non-factor with just one target.
Run Defense: D
Buffalo’s biggest weakness came against the Saints’ rushing attack. New Orleans piled up 189 yards at 5.6 yards per carry. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler was especially troublesome, scrambling for 49 yards. Alvin Kamara (70 yards) and Kendre Miller (65 yards, TD) both had productive days, exposing Buffalo’s tackling and gap issues. Deone Walker made some plays in the backfield, and linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams each posted six tackles, but overall the group struggled.
Pass Defense: B
Safety Cole Bishop highlighted the secondary with his first career interception. The Bills recorded three sacks—DaQuan Jones, A.J. Epenesa, and Joey Bosa each bringing down Rattler. However, only one pass breakup outside the interception suggests limited disruption. Tre White led with seven tackles, though that often indicates opponents are completing passes in his area. Still, Buffalo limited New Orleans’ longest completion to 17 yards and came up with stops late.
Special Teams: B-
Kick return duties were shaky early, but Curtis Samuel sparked the unit with an average of 27.3 yards on three attempts in his season debut. Khalil Shakir managed just six yards on a punt return. Coverage teams held up reasonably well, limiting Velus Jones Jr. to under 27 yards per return. Kicker Matt Prater was flawless, hitting all four PATs and a 35-yard field goal. Punter Cameron Johnston drew a key roughing penalty that helped sustain momentum in the fourth quarter.
Coaching: C
Sean McDermott’s group remains undefeated, but this was far from a polished effort. Poor clock management, questionable offensive play-calling, and defensive breakdowns kept the Saints competitive. The decision to give Davis and Johnson consecutive carries early in the fourth quarter was puzzling, and two wasted timeouts in the second half reflected substitution issues. Eleven penalties underscored a lack of discipline. McDermott acknowledged the need for cleaner execution as Buffalo now prepares for a surging Patriots team.
Bottom Line
The Bills escaped with a win to move to 4-0, their best start since 2020, but not without frustrations. The run game carried them, Allen made clutch plays, and timely defensive stops secured the result. Still, tackling issues, penalties, and coaching decisions remain concerns as tougher opponents loom.
About the Author
