The Buffalo Bills returned to their winning ways with a 44-32 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The win keeps the Bills within shouting distance of first place in the AFC East, sitting a game-and-a-half behind the New England Patriots in the divisional standings.

Buffalo (7-3) relied on a dynamic offensive performance that saw a much-needed return to downfield passing and big plays. Five receivers recorded a reception of 20 yards or more, which is a considerable uptick over the past few games for the Bills.

Offensive coordinator Joe Brady emphasized getting the ball down the field. The playcalling put pressure on the Tampa Bay (6-4) defense. For the first time in weeks, a Buffalo opponent had to consider defending the deep ball.

This paid off well for Buffalo, as QB Josh Allen carved up the Buccaneers secondary. Allen was stellar, going 19-of-30 for 317 passing yards and three touchdown passes. Allen added three scores on the ground, becoming the first player in NFL history to score six touchdowns in multiple games.

Buffalo’s defense had some difficulties handling the Tampa Bay rushing attack. The Buccaneers totaled 202 yards on the ground, with Sean Tucker leading the way with 106 yards on 19 carries.

However, the Bills defense stymied Baker Mayfield late in the fourth quarter. DaQuan Jones forced a strip-sack of Mayfield, effectively ending any comeback attempt by Tampa Bay.

Here is Bills Wire’s report card from Sunday’s Bills win over the Buccaneers:

Pass offense: A

It was nice to see some excitement return to Buffalo’s passing game. After multiple weeks of struggling to maintain a meaningful passing attack, Buffalo put together a tremendous plan to revive the aerial assault.

The new cast of receivers helped Allen find a rhythm and stretch the field. Gabe Davis caught three passes for 40 yards in his return to Buffalo. Mecole Hardman did not grab a pass. However, a deep ball to Hardman put the Bucs defense on notice.

Tyrell Shavers earned a larger focus this week, leading the Bills with four catches.

James Cook and Ty Johnson added touchdown receptions out of the backfield. Johnson broke out with a spectacular 52-yard touchdown.

All helped Allen eclipse the 300-yard plateau for the second consecutive week. Allen was effective and decisive in challenging the Tampa Bay defense. Allen’s 317 passing yards were his highest total since Week 1. In addition, Allen did not take a sack in the game. This was Allen’s second game of the season in which he threw for three touchdowns.

Rushing offense: C

Josh Allen’s three-touchdown day buoyed this grade. Allen rushed six times for 40 yards and the aforementioned touchdowns. This was important, as lead back James Cook struggled to find space out of the backfield.

Cook rushed 16 times for 48 yards. While Buffalo’s offensive line had a great performance with pass blocking, the group had a little more trouble with creating holes for Cook on the ground. While we’ve become accustomed to Cook making something out of nothing, that wasn’t necessarily the case against the Buccaneers defensive line.

Pass defense: B+

All in all, it was a solid day for Buffalo’s secondary. They did a nice job at limiting Baker Mayfield from creating a big play through the air. Mayfield ended up throwing for only 173 yards on a 16-of-28 passing day.

Standout rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka caught five balls for only 40 yards. Sterling Shepard led the Bucs with five catches.

The main blemish against Buffalo’s defense was a 28-yard touchdown pass to Sean Tucker out of the backfield.

Cole Bishop had a nice interception of Mayfield in the third quarter. The Bills offense scored on the next play, effectively giving Buffalo control of the game.

DaQuan Jones recorded the Bills only sack, one that ended with a Mayfield fumble. This helped solidify the victory for Buffalo.

Rush defense: D+

Ah, we don’t want to be too critical of the defense, especially after the unit gutted out a strong second half to help close out the game.

We guess if the team is going to give up yards, it’s better to give them up on the ground. Still, the run defense is a bit worrisome. It’s been a common theme for Buffalo this season.

The Buccanners ran for 202 total yards. Sean Tucker had a day, rushing for 106 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns. Rachaad White provided a nice complement to Tucker, totaling 51 yards on 10 carries. Baker Mayfield rushed seven times for 39 yards.

Special teams: B+

Mecole Hardman brought some life back to the return game. Hardman had a 61-yard return to open the game. Ray Davis had a standout game, returning four kicks for an average of 39.5 yards.

The kickers had a nice day in windy conditions. Matt Prater was perfect on all five of his PATs and his only field goal attempt. Mitch Wishnowsky had two nice punts, with one pinning the Buccaneers inside the five-yard line.

For all of the excitement the special teams unit provided, they did make some crucial mistakes. Hardman fumbled a punt return in the third quarter. Alec Anderson’s questionable holding penalty negated a blocked field goal.