Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills returned to form in their matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, dominating their opponents in Charlotte, N.C., 40-9.
It was a big win for the Bills coming out of the bye week, especially since it snapped a two-game losing streak.
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James Cook was especially impressive in Sunday's performance, tallying 216 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns. It was the best single-game performance for rushing yards from a Bills running back since O.J. Simpson in 1976.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott was not only impressed with his running back's performance on Sunday, but also the play of his teammates around him that made the performance possible.
"200-plus yards, there was an attitude that came with that," said McDermott following the win. "He breaks through into the second level of the defense. You've got wide receivers, tight ends that are blocking, and he's of this mindset that he's gone, he's going. That's a collective mindset."
On the other side of the ball, Michael Hoecht made his debut after serving a six-game suspension to open the season. He was a game changer on defense for the Bills, as he tallied three total tackles, a tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
"Good to have him, it really is. He's a tone setter for us," McDermott said. "He's a leader in his own way, and even though he's only been here just now one game in theory, he understands how the game is played. He's a guy that we can add up front for us and gives us an edge."
It was noted Sunday that McDermott was holding a call sheet and looked to have a hand in signal calling on defense. He says not to take much into that, when it comes to calling the defense.
"Bobby and I have done it together. We really have, and that'll continue," McDermott added. "Bob is a great coach. We've done it together. We'll continue to do it together."
Hear more from McDermott's postgame comments in the player below: