The Seahawks host Bills on Sunday in a matchup of first-place teams. This will be Buffalo's first game at Lume Field since 2016, and the first meeting between the two teams since 2020, meaning a ton has changed for both teams since they last faced off. To get you ready for this week's game and more familiarized with Seattle's Week 8 opponent, we reached out to BuffaloBills.com team reporter Maddy Glab with five questions about the Bills.
What does the addition of receiver Amari Cooper do for a Bills offense that was already pretty darn good before making that trade last week?
Glab: I think wide receiver Amari Cooper is a great addition to this offense. Buffalo had some great weapons before Cooper, but he makes it even more exciting. The five-time Pro Bowler adds a veteran element to the wide receiver room since he's played in the league for 10 years. When thinking about what Cooper does for the WRs, offensive coordinator Joe Brady put it best. Brady said it helps the group as a whole, because defenses have to account for him. We saw that in last week's victory over the Titans. With just four days to prepare, Cooper had 66 receiving yards and a touchdown. Just as notable, rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman had a career-high day in terms of receiving yards (125) and wide receiver Khalil Shakir caught all seven of his targets. I think Cooper helps the entire offense take a step forward.
As a team the Bills have just two turnovers this season, and Josh Allen, who had 78 interceptions in his first six seasons, including 18 last year, has none so far this season. What has allowed Allen and company to clean things up in that area, and how big is that for the offense if it can keep it up?
Glab: The Bills lead the league in turnover differential at +10. Quarterback Josh Allen and the offense have been doing an incredible job of valuing the football and the defense has done a great job of forcing turnovers. Allen said cutting down on the turnovers is something he's been working on for the past couple of seasons. He attributes the cutdown in turnovers to his better decision making and coaching from Brady and quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry. You can see the better decision making with the way Allen goes through his progressions, passing on the most turnover worthy options and settling with one that will still help move the chains. I also think the offensive line has done an exceptional job at keeping the pocket clean. With more time in the pocket, Allen isn't forced into making quick decisions. Since the start of the 2020 season, the Bills are 20-1 when Allen doesn't have a turnover. Buffalo wins when Allen takes care of the football.
The Bills have overcome 10-point deficits and come back to win twice this season, including last week, and nearly overcame a 14-point halftime deficit in a 3-point loss to Houston. What has allowed the Bills to stage these comebacks, and is it more encouraging that they have that ability, or more discouraging that they keep putting themselves in early holes?
Glab: I think what has allowed the Bills to stage the second-half comebacks is their coaching and the players ability to execute. Buffalo has two new coordinators this season in Brady and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich. They've been excellent at identifying what an opponent is doing at the half and how to beat that in the third and fourth quarters. Players deserve kudos for their ability to take that coaching and switch things up on the field in the second half. I think the team is encouraged by the fact that they can trail at the half and find a way to win. On the other hand, they also want to start faster. We heard players and coaches talk about that this week. Babich said he's "sick" of talking about the strong second half performances and wants to come out "firing." McDermott says faster starts comes down to executing.
Aside from the obvious big names, what player or players could you see being an x-factor for the Bills in this game?
Glab: The Bills have a rookie who's had a great last couple of weeks – running back Ray Davis. He's a physical running back who injects an energy into the offense that you can't help but feed off. In Week 6, Davis had more than 150 scrimmage yards and last week he averaged more than eight yards per carry. With the Seahawks allowing an average of 146.1 rushing yards per game, I think Davis is someone who could finish with a nice stat line.
What matchup or matchups are you most looking forward to seeing play out on Sunday?
Glab: I know the status of wide receiver DK Metcalf is up in the air. But I also know that he's tough and plays through injuries. I'm so looking forward to the matchup between Seattle's receivers and Buffalo's defensive backs. I feel like it's one of those matchups where you think, 'Can it get any better than this?' Seattle has the best passing offense in the NFL and the Bills are built to stop the pass. Buffalo ranks fifth right now allowing just 6.4 yards per pass attempt. Cornerback Christian Benford has allowed 0.5 yards per coverage snap which is the lowest among cornerbacks with at least 150 coverage snaps, according to Next Gen Stats. On the opposite side of the field is cornerback Rasul Douglas. Douglas is allowing 0.7 yards per coverage snap this season which is the sixth lowest. I can't wait to see what comes of this strength-on-strength type of matchup.
The Seahawks held their first practice of the week on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 as they get set to host the 5-2 Buffalo Bills in Week 8.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Jason Peters (73) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff (44) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) and tackle McClendon Curtis (66) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) and tackle Michael Jerrell (65) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Connor Williams (57) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72), tackle Michael Jerrell (65) and tackle McClendon Curtis (66) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Connor Williams (57) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) and tackle Michael Jerrell (65) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Miles Boykin (81) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Sataoa Laumea (63) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and center Connor Williams (57) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Dee Williams (33) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jaren Hall (15) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris (98) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Trevis Gipson (50) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeVere Levelston (56) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Brittain Brown (34) and wide receiver Miles Boykin (81) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Brittain Brown (34) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Cameron Young (93) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Faion Hicks (30) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Miles Boykin (81) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jaren Hall (15) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Dre'Mont Jones (55) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Dre'Mont Jones (55) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Dre'Mont Jones (55) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle McClendon Curtis (66) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) and guard Christian Haynes (64) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Connor Williams (57) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) practiced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
