Bills year in review: running back grades

The talk throughout 2021 was that the Bills had no rushing attack and that they were lesser of an offense because of it, and in 2022, first year offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey made it clear early on that the Bills would continue to be a pass-first offense.

The Bills ranked seventh in the league in total rushing yards this season, but over a third of them came from quarterback Josh Allen. In their limited touches, running backs Devin Singletary and James Cook had good, under-the-radar seasons.

The Bills running backs may have been the most undervalued unit on the team this year. 

Here are my running back grades for the Bills in 2022:

Devin Singletary
Games Started:  18
Games Played:  18
PFF Grade:  78.6
PFF Rank:  18^th of 60
Grade:  B+

Analysis: Devin Singletary had perhaps his best season as a Bill in 2022. Not only did he lead the team in regular season rushing yards with 819, but he was a reliable safety valve for Josh Allen in the passing game. Singletary’s only downfall is that he didn’t possess the breakaway speed that his “elite” counterparts do.

James Cook
Games Started:  0
Games Played:  18
PFF Grade:  73.3
PFF Rank:  30^th of 60
Grade:  B

Analysis: James Cook’s fumble on his very first carry of the season shattered both his coach’s confidence and his reliability to play meaningful snaps. But, after his early-season mishap, Cook took advantage of every touch he received, averaging 5.6 yards per rush and 8.6 yards per reception during the regular season with three total touchdowns.

Reggie Gilliam
Games Started:  4
Games Played:  17
PFF Grade:  60.1
PFF Rank:  Not enough offensive snaps
Grade:  C

Analysis: Fullback Reggie Gilliam’s main contribution to the 2022 Bills was on special teams, but he also contributed some as a pass and run blocker on offense. He set Buffalo afire when he scored a receiving touchdown week 2 versus Tennessee.

Nyheim Hines
Games Started: 1
Games Played: 11
PFF Grade: 63.4
PFF Rank: Not enough offensive snaps
Grade: C

Analysis: When the Bills traded for Nyheim Hines mid-season, the hope was that he’d be another weapon for Josh Allen out of the backfield, as he was known more for his receiving abilities than his rushing. Unfortunately, he had only a total of 15 touches for the Bills offense for 61 total yards and a touchdown. Hines biggest contribution to the Bills was as a return man, where he brought two touchdowns to the house versus the Patriots late in the season. 

Taiwan Jones
Games Started:  0
Games Played:  18
PFF Grade:  N/A
PFF Rank:  Not enough offensive snaps
Grade:  N/A

Analysis: Taiwan Jones’ value was on the special teams. He did not touch the ball in 2022.

Duke Johnson Jr
Games Started:  0
Games Played:  1
PFF Grade:  61.1
PFF Rank:  Not enough offensive snaps
Grade:  N/A

Analysis: Duke Johnson was activated once from the practice squad and had two carries.