3 — Bills flash teeth on run defense, still need a bite getting third down stops + a James Cook update
One area that the entire defense excelled in throughout the game was their run defense. Buffalo stifled the Giants to 79 yards rushing on 25 carries, an average of 3.2 yards per rush.
One area where the Bills will look to improve as they move on with the preseason is with their third down defense and offense. Buffalo allowed the Giants to convert on 9 of 19 third down attempts (47%). The offense converted just 1 of 9 third downs (11%).
After the game, McDermott gave another update on running back James Cook.
While Cook continues his hold-in (since Aug. 3) as he hopes for a new contract, the running back has still participated in meetings and team walk-thru, just not practice. McDermott shared that he and Cook spoke the day prior to the game, and the RB agreed to suit up and go through warmups but not play in the game.
"James and I had a good conversation yesterday. We talked about warming up, he agreed to warm up, but not play, due to his situation right now. That's where we're at. So, no change, really, overall," McDermott said.