EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis made the most of his big opportunity Monday night against the New York Jets.
Davis, who spent the final season of his college career at the University of Kentucky last year, got his first NFL start in place of the injured James Cook. Davis played a big role in the Bills 23-20 victory, rushing for 97 yards on 20 carries, and catching three passes for 55 yards.
Davis made the highlight reel with a leaping grab over the middle of the field in the second quarter for 42 yards.
"Every day, those guys continue to push me," Davis said, via the team's official website. "Those guys tell me that I'm good at what I do, and just keep the faith and understand that they gave me the ball the first two times. It showed that they had a lot of trust and confidence in me. As a running back, that's something that you love."
Davis entered the game with just 26 carries all season. The Bills leaned on him Monday night, and Davis' hard running style kept the offense on track.
"That was something we really wanted to do," Davis said. "We stressed all week about going out there and taking it to them, taking the physicality to them, understanding that maybe some guys may not want to tackle. So it's about just going out there and bringing the physicality, lowering your pads, running behind your pads, and getting those tough, tough yards."
Davis grew up homeless and played college football at Temple and Vanderbilt before transferring to Kentucky for the 2023 season. He maximized his time there, rushing for 1,129 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Bills selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, something his quarterback appreciated Monday night.
"It was awesome to see," Josh Allen said. "That's why we drafted him. He's tough to bring down, and he runs the ball super hard, protects the ball. I'm very proud of him for stepping up."
