While it’s crucial not to overvalue small sample sizes, the initial performances of the Buffalo Bills’ offense since bringing in wide receiver Amari Cooper are very encouraging.
In their Week 7 victory against the Tennessee Titans, the team scored 34 points, marking their first game with over 30 points since their Week 3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Quarterback Josh Allen completed 64% of his passes for 323 yards, achieving this milestone for the first time this season as the team accumulated a total of 389 yards of offense. One of the most promising aspects of the game was Allen’s ability to efficiently distribute the ball among his receivers; while Cooper was the main focus, the entire receiving core performed admirably.
Cooper did drop his only target in the first half, which was disappointing, but he bounced back in the second half, making four catches on five targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. As Cooper continues to familiarize himself with the playbook and the offense, his impact could be significant.
Rookie Keon Coleman also shone, achieving over 100 receiving yards for the first time in his career. He was targeted seven times, resulting in four receptions for 125 yards, including a long of 57. Coleman seems to be adapting well to the professional level, and Cooper’s decade of NFL experience is a great asset for both him and Khalil Shakir.
Meanwhile, Shakir had a season-best performance, catching all seven of his targets for 65 yards. Together, the trio of Cooper, Coleman, and Shakir combined for 15 receptions and 256 yards, with one touchdown. This impressive showing occurred in Cooper’s first game with the Bills, just days after joining the team, indicating he’s already making a significant impact.
The Week 7 performance of Buffalo’s receiving corps suggests that both the unit and the overall offense are poised to become one of the NFL’s elite. As Cooper grows more comfortable with the offense and Allen’s throws, Coleman will continue to develop with the support of a seasoned veteran. Shakir will remain a reliable option, and with Cooper on board, he’ll have additional space to operate. The passing attack should center around these three players, and when including Dalton Kincaid, James Cook, and Ray Davis, the Bills’ offense holds the potential to reach elite status.
