**Bills Dominate Panthers 40-9 in Impressive Post-Bye Week Performance**
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — James Cook ran for a career-high 216 yards and two touchdowns, while Josh Allen accounted for three scores as the Buffalo Bills returned from their bye week with a commanding 40-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Allen improved to 8-0 following the bye week and set a new NFL record by becoming the first player to both run and throw for a touchdown in 46 consecutive games, surpassing the previous mark held by former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Additionally, Allen’s 77 career rushing touchdowns (including playoffs) tied Newton for the most all-time by a quarterback.
The Bills quarterback completed 12 of 19 passes for 163 yards, highlighted by a 54-yard connection to Khalil Shakir, and added two short rushing touchdowns. Cook made his mark on the ground with touchdown runs of 64 and 21 yards, becoming just the third Bills running back to rush for over 200 yards and two touchdowns in a game, joining Cookie Gilchrist and O. J. Simpson.
Cook’s performance was even more impressive considering he did not play in the fourth quarter and faced a Carolina defense that had allowed just 131 rushing yards over the previous three weeks.
Buffalo’s defense dominated as well, sacking Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton seven times and forcing three turnovers. The pressure helped the Bills build a 40-3 lead by the third quarter.
Dalton, who started in place of the injured Bryce Young, finished 16 of 24 for 175 yards but committed two fumbles and threw one interception, snapping Carolina’s three-game winning streak. Dalton has now fallen to 1-6 as a starter for the Panthers over the past three seasons.
The Bills established a 19-3 halftime lead fueled by Cook’s 153 first-half rushing yards—the most by a running back in the first half since Cook’s brother, Dalvin, ran for 153 yards in 2021—and three critical mistakes by Dalton.
The Panthers’ troubles began deep in Buffalo territory when Dalton scrambled and was stripped from behind by Greg Rousseau, with Christian Benford recovering the fumble. Buffalo turned the turnover into a field goal by Matt Prater.
Later, Dalton threw an ill-advised screen pass directly to Bills defensive end A. J. Epenesa, who returned it to Carolina’s 1-yard line, setting up Allen’s quarterback sneak touchdown.
In the dying seconds of the first half, the Panthers threatened to narrow the gap, but Dalton took a sack on third down. With no timeouts left, Carolina rushed their field goal unit onto the field, but kicker Ryan Fitzgerald was unable to convert a hurried 32-yard attempt, sending the teams into halftime with Buffalo up 19-3.
The Bills extended their advantage to 26-3 when Khalil Shakir turned a short catch from Allen into a 54-yard touchdown. Shakir finished the game with six receptions for 88 yards.
Dalton’s struggles continued with another fumble that led to Allen’s second rushing touchdown of the game.
Buffalo improves to 5-2 on the season, while Carolina falls to 4-4. The Bills’ dominant performance showcased their balanced offensive attack and relentless defense as they continue to build momentum heading deeper into the season.
https://abc11.com/post/james-cook-runs-216-yards-2-tds-allen-accounts-3-bills-rout-panthers-40-9/18074499/
