Josh Allen ‘Not Concerned’ With Bills Lagging Passing Game, Says Let James ‘Cook’
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 26: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills warms up prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Although the Buffalo Bills are led by MVP quarterback Josh Allen, they’ve been content with being run-first.
James Cook had another monster day for the Bills in Sunday’s blowout win over the Carolina Panthers. Cook ran for 216 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns to help the Bills remain undefeated coming off a bye week under coach Sean McDermott.
The Bills lead the league in rushing yards, while the passing game is still great, and Allen has played well, running the ball has been the recipe for success. The Bills offense is outside the top 10 in passing yards this season.
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 26: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after defeating the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
Josh Allen ‘Not Concerned’ By Lagging Passing Game
Allen addressed the identity of the offense in a postgame news conference as the passing game struggled in the first half before opening it up in the second half, en route to a 40-9 victory.
“I’ve gotta be better myself in that first half,” Allen said. I just felt like I wasn’t get myself into rhythm. So, I gotta be better.”
“I’m not concerned at all,” he added. “It’s an easy clean up and again it’s just trysting the guys out there, trusting my feet and putting the ball where it needs to be.
‘The more times we get the ball in (Cook’s) hand the better we’re gonna be. I mean, I love handing it off and getting to throw my hands up from 50 yards out. When you got James Cook, let him cook.”
McDermott Praises Cook Postgame
McDermott also addressed the identity of the offense postgame, saying it’s Cook’s mindset this season that has led to his success.
“I know the value of being a two-dimensional offense,” McDermott said. “I love the run game. I do value physical football. (Cook’s) of the mindset that he’s going, he’s going. That’s a collective mindset.”
Allen Entered History Books
Allen, who was 12-for-19 on 163 yards passing, accounted for three touchdowns in the game. He passed for one and rushed for two.
He also set a new NFL record as the first player to both rush and pass for a touchdown in 46 games, surpassing the previous mark held by former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Allen now has 77 career rushing touchdowns (including playoffs), tying him with Newton for the most ever by a quarterback.
Allen improved to 8-0 following the bye week and McDermott improved to 9-0 after the bye.
“I think it’s the way that our guys handle (the bye),” Allen said. “Just making sure that we’re practicing the right way. Coming off two losses it’s been lingering with us, so we wanted to come out and put our best foot forward — and we did that.”
The one down side to Sunday’s performance were injuries on defense.
Ed Oliver exited in the first half with a biceps injury, leaving the Bills without both of their starting defensive tackles. McDermott had no update on Oliver’s condition, while DT DaQuan Jones had already been ruled out before the game.
The Bills host Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday.
Stunning Titans coaching candidate could emerge from the shadows as a frontrunner
The Tennessee Titans remain in the preliminary stages of their head coaching search. The Nashville-based club decided to dismiss Brian Callahan after he amassed a pathetic 4-19 record in 23 outings. Mike McCoy was appointed as the interim leader and will remain in that role for the duration of the 2025 campaign.
General manager Mike Borgonzi and president Chad Brinker will oversee the search once the offseason arrives. Thus far, a number of rumored candidates have been floated by mainstream and local media. Mike McCarthy, Arthur Smith, Matt Nagy, Mike Kafka, and Robert Saleh could be among the shortlisted names.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini recently floated an unexpected name. Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is allegedly considering a move to the NFL. Russini reported that Sarkisian would be interested in professional openings, going as far to mention the Titans by name.
Report: Texas Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian could be interested in Titans' head coaching vacancy
Sarkisian has been in charge of Texas since 2021. With vast financial resources at his disposal, Sarkisian has returned the program to national prominence. After winning five and eight games respectively in his first two campaigns, the Longhorns have won double-digit games in consecutive seasons.
Sarkisian's Longhorns have failed to win a National Championship, however, falling short of the ultimate goal. This season, the No. 20 ranked program are 6-2 while turning in an underwhelming campaign thus far. The playoffs look like a long shot, with defeats to Florida and Ohio State, and uninspiring wins over Mississippi State and Kentucky.
Sarkisian possesses a brilliant offensive mind. Despite Arch Manning's shortcomings this year, some may believe he's an ideal candidate to help develop Titans quarterback Cam Ward. Sarkisian's NFL experience is limited to coordinator and position coach duties though, and his appointment would represent a massive risk for a Titans franchise fresh off a disastrous head coaching hire and firing.
Sarkisian may be interested in the Titans, but the feeling shouldn't be mutual.
