Bills head coach Joe Brady didn’t hold back at the podium Monday, laying it out plain: “right now, I gotta get Ray playing more, right?” He followed that up, saying “it’s a reality. He’s too good of a player,” and even that “Ray’s worked his ass off and deserves that” opportunity. Seriously, if you’ve been watching the Bills, you know Brady’s not wrong about Ray Davis being underutilized. It’s almost unbelievable.
The Wild Disconnect Between Talk and Touches
How underutilized? In Week 3 against the Chargers, Davis was on offense for a pathetic five plays, just 8% of the total snaps. Get this: he didn’t even get a single touch on those snaps! He did pop up on special teams for five plays, 22% of those snaps, which is fine, but that’s not where a talent like his should be pigeonholed. Meanwhile, Ty Johnson, just back from a hamstring surgical procedure, got 15 offensive snaps, 23% of the plays, catching all four targets for 50 yards. Johnson didn’t rush, but that’s a wild contrast. Davis, the 2025 NFL All-Pro kick returner (943 yards, one TD on 31 returns last season), has only one carry for three yards through three games this season. One carry! The dude had 58 carries for 275 yards last season, plus 10 catches for 86 yards and two scores. It makes zero sense!
Why Davis Deserves More Snaps Now
Yeah, James Cook III is the undisputed lead back for the Bills, last season’s NFL rushing yards champion, and he’s absolutely electric. The team’s always one play away from a sprint going the distance for six with him out there. Cook should absolutely not see fewer snaps either, even considering any ball-security concerns. But Cook doesn’t take every snap at the position, so there’s clearly room for someone else to step up. And that someone else has to be Davis. This guy is sneaky fast, tough as nails taking contact, and a proven dual-threat player who’s succeeded at every stop and each level. In his rookie year back in 2024, Davis exploded for 113 carries, 442 yards, and three touchdowns on the ground, adding 17 receptions on 19 targets for 189 yards and three more scores through the air. His career numbers with the Bills totally back it up: he averages a first down on one out of every four rushing attempts (42 first downs, 172 rushes). As a receiver, he’s earned 15 first downs on just 27 receptions from 32 targets. That’s efficiency, plain and simple, and it’s being wasted.
What Happens Next?
Brady clearly gets it, calling it a “reality” that needs fixing. The Bills would be wise to find reasons to get Davis snaps in a complementary role to Cook, apart from just third-down situations. It might even happen as soon as Week 4, especially if there are any lingering concerns about the amount and types of contact quarterback Josh Allen is taking. Whatever the final trigger, letting a player this good, who’s “worked his ass off,” ride the bench is just bad football. Let’s see if Brady’s words spark some actual change on the field and finally unleash Davis.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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