Bills 34, Saints 10: Cook’s three TDs lead Buffalo past New Orleans

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - The Buffalo Bills finally found their groove on offense, and it came at the expense of a struggling New Orleans Saints team. Behind an outstanding performance from James Cook III, who rushed for 140 yards and three touchdowns, the Bills rolled to a 34-10 victory on Sunday, improving to 2-2 on the season.

It was a statement win for head coach Sean McDermott's squad, coming one week after a frustrating loss to the Chiefs. Buffalo dominated on the ground and through the air, controlling time of possession and limiting mistakes.

Bills jump out early

Cook wasted no time setting the tone. His one-yard plunge midway through the first quarter capped an efficient opening drive. Later in the quarter, he powered in from two yards out with no time remaining to put Buffalo ahead 14-3 after the Saints managed only a Blake Grupe 36-yard field goal.

Buffalo stretched the lead in the second quarter when Josh Allen hit Dalton Kincaid on a 25-yard strike, and Tyler Bass drilled a 25-yard field goal just before halftime to make it 24-3.

Saints sputter under Rattler

Kellen Moore's Saints (1-3) have now dropped back-to-back games after falling to the Falcons last week. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler had flashes - including a 59-yard bomb to Chris Olave - but turnovers and stalled drives killed momentum. Rattler finished 17-of-26 for 221 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, connecting with Brandin Cooks for the Saints' only TD of the day.

Alvin Kamara was bottled up on the ground, managing zero yards on five carries, though he added 36 receiving yards. New Orleans' defense surrendered 372 offensive yards, struggling to get off the field on third down (Buffalo converted 7 of 10).

Cook slams the door

Cook iced the game in the fourth quarter with his third rushing touchdown, a two-yard run to put the Bills ahead 34-10. Bass finished perfect on the day, hitting both field goals and all four extra points.

Buffalo's defense chipped in as well - Matt Milano grabbed a key interception, while DeWayne Carter and Terrel Bernard each notched sacks.

"This was the response we needed," McDermott said. "James ran hard, Josh was efficient, and our defense set the tone all afternoon."

Up Next

The Buffalo Bills stay home in Week 5 to host the New England Patriots. The New Orleans Saints return to the Superdome in Week 5 to face the New York Giants.