The Buffalo Bills have long been synonymous with Josh Allen's prowess, but under the guidance of Joe Brady, the team is evolving to ease some of that pressure off their star quarterback. The Bills are crafting a formidable ground game, led by James Cook, who has consistently proven himself as a Pro Bowler and a 1,000-yard rusher. This strategic shift allows Allen to shine without carrying the entire offensive load.
Cook's dynamic presence, alongside Ty Johnson and Ravis Davis, forms a backfield that ranks among the NFL's elite. CBS Sports' Carter Bahns even places the Bills' running back corps at No. 4 in his top ten list, highlighting their impressive performance.
"The Bills enter 2026 with the NFL's top rushing offense," Bahns notes, "and last year, they led the league with 30 rushing touchdowns." Allen, while a crucial part of this ground attack, complements rather than overshadows Cook, who led the league with a career-high 1,621 yards in 2025. With Johnson serving as a reliable third-down back and Davis contributing effectively, the Bills boast one of the deepest backfields around.
As the Bills move forward, leaning on their run game seems like a smart strategy. Last season, they tied with the Baltimore Ravens as the best rushing team, averaging 156.6 yards per game. This formidable ground attack provides a solid foundation for the team.
While Allen remains a key asset for airing it out, the pressure to do so diminishes with Cook's ability to take over games. Johnson and Davis add depth, ensuring productivity even when they're called upon in specific situations.
In Joe Brady's first year as head coach, the Bills have multiple offensive weapons at their disposal. Allen may be the star, but the run game is shaping up to be the most potent tool in their arsenal.