Charlotte, NC (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Bills bested the Carolina Panthers in a return-to-form showing for the team as they scored 40-points and held the Panthers to single digits. They are now 5-2 on the season as they chase the Patriots to reclaim the AFC East.
The Panthers opened things up following the kickoff, quarterbacked by Andy Dalton, and were snuffed out right away by the Bills defense. Ed Oliver was able to break through at the line of scrimmage on third down and force a punt.
It seemed there was to shake off for Josh Allen and the offense, as they carved their way right down the field with runs from James Cook and Allen connecting with Khalil Shakir on a number of passes. They stalled as they approached Carolina's red zone, forcing a successful field goal attempt from Matt Prater.
The Bills were able to steal a possession back, after a big run from Rico Dowdle, as Greg Rousseau forced Dalton to fumble. Cook got the drive going with a big run. Allen found his stride soon after, finding Dalton Kincaid deep to move into enemy territory. Once they were in the red zone, they stalled out once again calling on Prater, who successfully kicks a 43-yard field goal.
Carolina was able to make their way onto the score board with a 48-yard field goal from Ryan Fitzgerald. They cut the deficit in half and keep themselves close with the Bills.
Buffalo's offense needed some juice. They got that with an explosive 64-yard run from James Cook for a touchdown, extending the lead to 9.
Punts were sent back and forth as it was showing to be a defensive contest. So much so that just inside of the two minute warning, A.J. Epenesa was able to intercept a pass from Dalton and return it to the Panthers' one yard line. Allen carried it himself shortly after for a 1-yard touchdown to extend the lead further.
The Bills were able to fend off Carolina in the red zone heading into halftime to keep the 16-point lead.
The third quarter saw the Bills off to a hot start. Allen found Shakir on the right side of the field on a shorter pass which Shakir turned into a 54-yard touchdown, laying it on the Panthers.
Carolina tried to answer back but failed to do so. Buffalo was able to pile more on at the hands of Cook once again. Cook rushed 21-yards into the end zone to bring the score to 33-3 after a successful point-after attempt from Matt Prater.
Dalton gave up another fumble, as Michael Hoecht was able to knock it loose and Deone Walker jumped on it to steal another possession. The offense was able to capitalize once again where Allen found the end zone on another 1-yard rush to extend the lead to 37 points.
The Panthers were able to put their first touchdown of the game on the board, although it seemed to be too little too late. Chubba Hubbard found his way into the end zone on a 3-yard rush to cut the deficit to 31 points.
--------------------------
Scoring Summary:
First Quarter:
3-0 BUFFALO: Bills Field Goal (7:14) - Matt Prater's 45 yard field goal attempt is good.
Drive summary: 11 plays, 49 yards, 5:31
Second Quarter:
6-0 BUFFALO: Bills Field Goal (13:03) - Matt Prater's 43-yard field goal attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 12 Plays, 58 yards, 5:37
6-3 BUFFALO: Panthers Field Goal (8:58) - Ryan Fitzgerald's 48-yard field goal attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 9 plays, 35 yards, 4:05
12-3 BUFFALO: Bills Touchdown (7:23) - James Cook rushes for a 64-yard touchdown. (Matt Prater's extra point attempt is no good)
Drive Summary: 3 plays, 77 yards, 1:35
19-3 BUFFALO: Bills Touchdown (1:50) - Josh Allen rushes for a 1-yard touchdown. (Matt Prater's extra point attempt is good)
Drive Summary: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:02
Third Quarter:
26-3 BUFFALO: Bills Touchdown (12:18) - Josh Allen passes short right to Khalil Shakir for a 54-yard touchdown. (Matt Prater's extra point attempt is good)
Drive Summary: 4 plays, 65 yards, 2:42
33-3 BUFFALO: Bills Touchdown (4:59) - James Cook rushes up the middle for a 21-yard touchdown. (Matt Prater's extra point attempt is good)
Drive Summary: 9 plays, 88 yards, 5:12
40-3 BUFFALO: Bills Touchdown (1:19) - Josh Allen rushes up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown. (Matt Prater's extra point attempt is good)
Drive Summary: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:22
Fourth Quarter:
40-9 BUFFALO: Panthers Touchdown (10:33) - Chubba Hubbard rushes for a 3-yard touchdown. (Ryan Fitzgerald's extra point attempt is no good)
Drive Summary: 13 plays, 67 yards, 5:46
-----------------------
Skyworks Equipment Rental Stats of the Game:
-----------------------
UP NEXT: The Bills return to Highmark Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs with kickoff set for 4:25 p.m. next Sunday afternoon. You can catch all of the game action on the radio home of the Buffalo Bills, WGR Sports Radio 550.