Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis carried more weight on his shoulders after James Cook was declared out of their Week 6 Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets. The fourth-round pick in the 2024 draft will be the Bills’ starting running back against a defense allowing only 273 yards per game.
However, the rookie from Kentucky embraced the challenge of playing under the bright lights of MetLife Stadium. Ultimately, he helped his team prevail by completing a masterful performance versus their division rivals.
While Davis did not score a touchdown, he had 20 carries for 97 yards and three receptions for 55 yards. His 152 yards are the most yards from scrimmage by a Bills rookie this season. Likewise, he had more rushing yards in this game than in his first five weeks (26 carries for 75 yards and a touchdown).
Most scrimmage yards by a rookie this season! #BUFvsNYJ | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/cKs5Ti3DfG
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 15, 2024
Davis’ runs and catches helped the Bills complete scoring drives. He also gets extra credit for a solid output against a defensive front featuring Will McDonald, Javon Kinlaw, Quinnen Williams, and C.J. Mosley.
Despite this performance, the Bills will still have Cook at the top of the running back depth chart. However, this game could foster more confidence in Davis's ability to become a solid backup. A potent one-two punch from the backfield will make the Buffalo offense harder to stop.
-Lance Fernandez