Meet the Buffalo Bills' 3 Unsung Heroes Powering NFL Playoff Charge
Buffalo has become an unstoppable force, and not just because of Josh Allen's brilliance this season
This is part of an ongoing series profiling the unsung heroes of each team as they clinch a berth in the NFL Playoffs. Each feature includes insight gleaned from conversations with sources across the league. To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the in-depth analysis, be sure to become a subscriber to Between The Hashmarks Today!
Josh Allen is inevitable.
That is the takeaway for anyone with the misfortune of staring across the sideline at No. 17 and the Buffalo Bills this season.
Whether it is starting fast, as Allen did in Detroit against the Lions by firing an opening five-of-six for 100 passing yards and two quarterback sneak touchdowns in the first quarter against the Lions on Sunday, or knifing through the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense to seal a victory with his legs, the Bills’ superstar quarterback now seems earmarked to run away with this year’s MVP award.
However, Bills general manager Brandon Beane has built a juggernaut around Allen, including tearing the wide receiver corps effectively down to the studs this offseason only to build it back even better while Buffalo’s defense continues to be one of the most feared in the league.
Buffalo has seen several unsung heroes emerge this season, on both sides of the ball, fueling what is one of the most complete rosters authoring one of the most impressive regular seasons in recent memory.
NFL General Manager’s Pick: WR Khalil Shakir
“Khalil is an understated piece of the Puzzle for what Buffalo does best. He’s a great competitor and always seems to be underrated.”
Ray Davis, RB
James Cook steals the headlines and has run his way into the hierarchy of the most explosive backs across the NFL. But, as a rookie, Ray Davis has more than emerged as a worthy complement and plenty-capable counterpunch.
Chosen by the Bills in the fourth round of this spring’s NFL Draft, Davis has provided insane value to Buffalo’s offense, by posting 524 yards from scrimmage and scoring five total touchdowns, through the first 14 games of his career.
THe former Temple standout has already busted out for 10 explosive runs, of 10 yards or more, while forcing 21 missed tackles and averaging 2.89 yards after contact per carry, according to PFF. How many teams would sign up for that kind of production from their top running back?
Moreover, during the Bills’ current seven-game winning streak, Davis has seen Allen’s confidence in him skyrocket, as illustrated by him leading Buffalo in receiving yards twice during this stretch. A versatile playmaker, Davis is carving out a niche for himself in a crowded offense with plenty of star power, and, he’s also just scratching the surface.
Dorian Williams, LB
One of the truest tests of a championship-caliber roster is what happens when a star player suffers a significant injury forcing him to miss significant time.
Buffalo’s championship mettle, at least on defense, is emerging in the form of linebacker Dorian Williams, who has been a tackling machine in Matt Milano’s absence since suffering a biceps injury way back in Week 2.
Williams has been a revelation, leading the Bills with 100 total tackles, posting five tackles for loss, recovering two fumbles and forcing one in 14 games.
Far from simply accumulating tackles, Williams has proven critical against the run, garnering a 75.3 run-stopping grade from Pro Football Focus and making 38 run-stops, placing him within the top 20 linebackers in the category.
Spencer Brown, OT
The Buffalo Bills boast one of the most consistently dominant offensive lines in the NFL, and tackle Spencer Brown may be the most improved player at the position across the league.
Brown might be overshadowed a bit by the likes of Dion Dawkins and Connor McGovern, who are two of the premier players at their respective positions across the sport, but the 26-year-old has become a driving force behind James Cook, Davis, Allen and the Bills’ success as one of the most efficient running games in the NFL.
Pro Football Focus lists Brown as the No. 12 ranked run-blocking offensive tackle in the league, with a 79.8 mark along with a 71.7 overall grade.
At 6-foot-8 and 311 pounds, Brown is a testament to head coach Sean McDermott and staff’s commitment to player development, as he’s only allowed one sack and three quarterback hits in 429 pass-blocking snaps so far this season.
