For the most part, the Buffalo Bills offense was clicking on all cylinders in their Thursday night matchup with the Miami Dolphins.
Running back James Cook averaged more than five yards a carry, rushing for a total of 108 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. While the reigning MVP quarterback Josh Allen played a really efficient game, going 22-for-28 on 213 yards passing and three touchdowns.
But the offense wasn’t explosive in the way they’ve become accustomed to being, seemingly struggling at times to get a rhythm.
Allen Credits Dolphins With Having ‘Good Plan’
Allen had an honest message about the offense during his postgame comments.
“They had a good plan today,” Allen said. “I thought their offense did a good job of sustaining drives and really limiting our opportunities. I thought we had opportunities on the offensive side and we didn’t take advantage of some of them. But at the end of the day, we got the win.”
Allen Praises James Cook
Cook was the first player to go over 100 yards against Miami in 36 games. Allen was asked “what’s different” in Cook?
To me he’s the same James Cook,” Allen said. “The guy just attacks every time he touches the ball. He looks like he’s been shot out of canon every time he touches it. He’s so fun to play with, wants the ball, ultimate competitor. There’s time I toss it to him or hand it off to him and I’m already putting my hands up because I feel like he’s about the crib it. There’s two that were real close tonight, real close. And he’ll tell you that. He’s been such a catalyst for our offense, a special player.
Allen Thrilled to Get Shakir Involved in Scoring
Allen threw a go-ahead 15-yard touchdown to Khalil Shakir with just over seven minutes remaining. Allen is thrilled to get Shakir involved in the scoring for the first time this year after suffering an ankle injury at the end of last season.
GettyORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 18: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates with Josh Allen #17 after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
“Khalil does everything the right away,” Allen said. “Constantly following the ball, constantly being in the right spots. He made some unbelievable plays for us. That was a great play finding a way to get in the end zone there. We’re gonna need more of that going forward.”
Bills Have Lofty Goals This Season
The Bills, a team contending for a Super Bowl this year, moves to 3-0 on the season. Allen wants to take it one week at a time, but he’s happy where the team is at right now.
“We’re obviously doing our job, going 1-0 each week,” he said. “Still a lot to learn from, a lot to grow. A lot of room for growth in this group, a lot of young guys. But guys are stepping up, there’s been some guys down with injuries, and guys are stepping up and making big time plays for us, especially on the defensive side of the ball. It’s a close unit that’s gelling together really well right now and (we) gotta keep finding ways to win football games.”
The Bills host the New Orleans Saints on Sun, Sept. 28.
Bills QB Josh Allen Sends Honest Message on Offense After Win Over Dolphins