Buffalo secured a win over Tampa Bay on Sunday, maintaining its undefeated record against the Buccaneers at Highmark Stadium and bringing the all-time series to 4-0 in Buffalo’s favor.
Head coach Sean McDermott reached a significant milestone by becoming only the sixth coach in NFL history to achieve 100 combined regular season and playoff wins within his first nine seasons. After the game, McDermott said, “Very grateful … This is a team honor, it really is. Brandon [Beane], myself, being here for the time that we’ve been here, his staff, my staff, collectively as an organization, very grateful for it. It never is about one person. Like any win, it’s about the team. So, we learn, we grow, we move forward. Grateful for the opportunity.”
The Bills’ defense saw strong performances from younger players. Safety Cole Bishop made a key interception and returned it for 13 yards. He also recorded six tackles and one pass defensed during the game. Quarterback Josh Allen responded to this defensive energy by connecting with running back James Cook III for a receiving touchdown.
McDermott commented on Bishop’s development: “[Bishop is] playing super confidently, flying around. He understands where he’s supposed to be, when he’s supposed to be there… It’s how a player develops. You want him to be great coming out of the box, but it just takes time sometimes for these guys and that’s why we coach … [Bishop is] a student of the game. He works at it, he learns, he grows.” The head coach also credited veteran safety Jordan Poyer for mentoring Bishop: “[Bishop is] one of the first ones in there and one of the last to leave every day,” McDermott said. “So, he invests time, and usually, it may not happen right away, you see the fruits of your labor one.”
Despite being outgained on the ground—Buffalo rushed for 97 yards compared to Tampa Bay’s 202—the Bills relied on their passing attack led by Allen’s 317 passing yards and six total touchdowns (three rushing and three passing). Wide receiver Tyrell Shavers was Allen’s top target with four catches for 90 yards including a 43-yard touchdown that gave Buffalo a temporary lead in the second quarter.
McDermott noted Shavers’ work ethic: “The ball finds those who work hard.” Shavers contributed several important gains throughout the game that helped set up scoring opportunities.
James Cook III added value both as a rusher and receiver; while limited to 48 rushing yards due to Tampa Bay’s run defense focus, he finished with six receptions including a 25-yard touchdown catch.
Wide receiver Gabe Davis returned after some time away from play and caught three passes for 40 yards—all at crucial moments in drives that resulted in touchdowns. Davis described his return: “Felt pretty good being out there for the first time and just heard everything clearly in the huddle and just felt right … It felt like it was meant to be. I’m happy to be back here… This is my most comfortable I’ve been playing. I’m just glad that we got that Bills jersey on again. It was fun. The guys were, every single time I touched the ball, all the guys were celebrating, so it was funny.” Davis also reflected on making key plays: “On the fourth down, I had a feeling that he was coming to me. That was a big play for us this week and just got to be a big body guy and go win on the slant… just happy I was the one to be able to make those plays when we needed it.”
With this victory over Tampa Bay at home—where Buffalo remains unbeaten against this opponent—the Bills continue their pursuit of success under McDermott’s leadership.
