The Buffalo Bills have a chance to improve to 4-0 this Sunday when they host the winless New Orleans Saints at Highmark Stadium.
Quarterback Josh Allen has been playing at an MVP level through the first three weeks — not surprising for the reigning MVP.
The Bills are the first team in NFL history to start 3-0, score more than 100 points with zero turnovers, less than 15 penalties, and average 150 rushing yards and 250 net pass yards over that span.
Any criticism that the Bills aren’t attacking deep down field enough — Allen points to the success.
“The ‘everybody eats’ mentality that [offensive coordinator Joe Brady] kind of allowed us to take over has allowed me to be free and not worry so much about where the ball’s going,” said Allen. “There’s been a game where I didn’t have to do much, Week 2, just hand it off and let [running back James Cook] go. I’m just trying do what I’m being asked to do, and that’s care of the football and score points.”
Cook has been a major contributor to the attack. The running back is second in the NFL in rushing yards and tied for the lead with four rushing touchdowns.
“He’ll be the first one to tell you it’s all the [offensive line] opening the holes for him, but the way he runs the football, it’s a rare thing but it’s a beautiful thing to see,” said Allen.
“He has to set us up in a way that puts on blocks. If he gets the ball and just cuts it back, the defense reacts accordingly, so his ability to press blocks, put guys on us, makes our job so much easier and that’s why he’s so special,” said guard David Edwards.
As for guys on the injury report, defensive tackle Ed Oliver, linebacker Matt Milano and offensive tackle Spencer Brown did not practice. Head coach Sean McDermott said all three are headed in the right direction. Defensive end AJ Epenesa was limited.