Bills rookie Ray Davis runs over Jets as Buffalo sprints to AFC East lead

One of the best stories in the 2024 NFL Draft, Davis grew up homeless and bounced around colleges — from Temple to Vanderbilt and finally to Kentucky, where he turned heads. The Bills selected him in the fourth round as a depth runner with upside.

With Cook missing his first career game due to injury, the Bills rode Davis, who took 20 of the 24 RB carries on Monday night. His violent running style fit Monday’s AFC East bout in which Buffalo came out in the first half with the clear intent to out-physical New York.

“That was something we really wanted to do. We stressed all week about going out there and taking it to them, you know, taking the physicality to them, understanding that maybe some guys may not want to tackle. So it’s about just going out there and bringing the physicality, lowering your pads, running behind your pads, and getting those tough, tough yards,” he said.

Davis’ performance added needed grit to the Bills offense which struggled the past couple of weeks. Josh Allen credited the rookie’s ability to churn out extra yards with keeping the offense on schedule.

“It was awesome to see. That’s why we drafted him,” he said. “He’s tough to bring down, and he runs the ball super hard, protects the ball. I’m very proud of him for stepping up.”

Davis’ battering style could convince the Bills to siphon off a few of Cooks’ carries when the starter returns healthy. A one-two backfield combo, combined with Allen’s running ability, would give Buffalo’s offense an identity it’s mostly lacked through six games.