The Buffalo Bills’ clearest answer to the Las Vegas Raiders’ pass rush may be their ground game. Bills running back James Cook could be positioned for another prominent workload if Buffalo’s offensive line continues to create movement, allowing the offense to stay on schedule instead of exposing quarterback Josh Allen to a pass-heavy game against Maxx Crosby.
Locked On Bills host Joe Marino and Block and Shed co-host Jerry Ostroski pointed to Buffalo’s run blocking as the offense’s stabilizer when the passing game is off rhythm. Ostroski said the Bills can use zone, duo and gap concepts against a Raiders front he views as less equipped to match Buffalo’s physicality inside.
That formula matters because Crosby is Las Vegas’ most disruptive defender, particularly if Buffalo must lean on Tylan Grable at right tackle. Marino and Ostroski agreed that a game script requiring Allen to drop back repeatedly would play into Crosby’s strengths, while a productive Cook-led rushing attack would force the Raiders’ standout edge rusher to defend blocks and chase the ball for four quarters.
Buffalo has reason to trust that approach after its offensive line helped control the line of scrimmage against the Los Angeles Rams. Ostroski credited guard Alec Anderson’s finishing style with raising the group’s physical edge, while he also praised left tackle Dion Dawkins and right guard O’Cyrus Torrence for the movement they have created in the run game.
Cook is the offensive skill player most directly positioned to benefit. If the Bills consistently produce early-down yardage and keep Allen in manageable situations, they can limit the Raiders’ opportunities to turn Crosby loose in obvious passing situations. The plan also gives Buffalo a practical way to protect a potentially inexperienced right-side matchup without changing the identity of an offense built around Allen’s versatility.
Buffalo’s ability to establish Cook early will shape how much the Raiders can dictate with Crosby. A successful ground game would preserve play-action opportunities for Allen and keep the Bills from allowing one edge defender to define the matchup.
Bills News and Notes
– Grable impressed Ostroski in his first meaningful action after Spencer Brown left the Rams game. Ostroski said Grable’s athleticism and willingness to finish blocks give Buffalo confidence if he must again face an extended role against Crosby.
– Defensive tackle T.J. Sanders made his season debut against the Rams and exceeded Ostroski’s expectations against the run. Sanders’ ability to handle blocks, in addition to his pass-rush flashes, gives Buffalo another interior option against a Raiders offensive line the hosts believe is vulnerable at guard.
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