Quarterback: B+
USAT
Josh Allen made NFL history by scoring a passing, rushing, and receiving TD all in one game. While he didn’t put up a ton of numbers in a 13-for-17 passing effort with only 148 passing yards… more importantly, Allen did not give the ball away in such a snowy affair.
Running backs: A
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The entire Bills’ rushing attack was excellent against the Niners. James Cook had 107 yards and a career-long touchdown on 14 carries. Meanwhile, rookie Ray Davis had 63 yards on 11 carries. San Francisco’s defense could not stop the duo.
Wide receivers: C-
USAT
In large part due to the weather, Buffalo’s wideouts had little impact on the contest. The lone one was when receiver Amari Cooper lateraled the ball to Allen for the Bills’ wild touchdown.
Tight end: B+
Imagn
Dawson Knox led the Bills with 56 yards receiving by catching his two targets.
Where this group made their impact was in the trenches and that counted a lot in such snowy conditions. Knox had a 84.7 grade from Pro Football Focus, second-best on the team. Close behind were Zach Davidson (78.5) and Quintin Morris (76.3).
All this production and Dalton Kincaid (knee) did not play.
Offensive line: A
USAT
This was potentially the best performance by the Bills’ offensive line of the entire year. Right tackle Spencer Brown had his team’s best grade via PFF’s metrics, a 90.0, but the entire line thrived.
All that… considering the weather. While the 49ers did not have their best player, Nick Bosa, due to injury… the Bills knew they were going to try and stuff the run. The Niners couldn’t do it because of these guys.
Defensive line: B-
Imagn
The Bills only had one QB hit and two sacks, but 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy only had 18 pass attempts. On the ground, Buffalo might have gotten lucky Christian McCaffrey was injured. He was averaging 7.6 yards per carry when he left the contest.
Pass rusher Greg Rousseau had a sack and three tackles for loss, though. He was a top performer.
Linebackers: C+
USAT
It was a pretty average outing for Matt Milano in his return. Terrel Bernard ended up leading the Bills defense with nine tackles, however, both were credited with multiple missed tackles against the 49ers. The elements did not help.
Secondary: A-
Imagn
A lot of positive play was found in Buffalo’s secondary. Christian Benford had a fumble recovery and his team’s lone pass defended. Via PFF’s metrics, four defensive backs (Benford, Cam Lewis, Taylor Rapp, Taron Johnson) all finished in the top-five players on the Bills defense.
Special teams: B
Imagn
The Bills’ return team forced a fumble and it was pretty impressive kicker Tyler Bass made all of his extra points. While Bass missed one field goal, punter Sam Martin’s masterful game in the elements hold this grade up.
