Five takeaways from Buffalo Bills' Week 5 snap counts

A tight end rotation and new defensive trends highlight Buffalo's Week 5 tendencies

Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (1) scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills fell to the New England Patriots 23-20 on Sunday, with Buffalo's snap counts revealing several trends on both sides of the ball.

These are the five most interesting takeaways from the team's Week 5 snap percentages.

1. James Cook owns the backfield

Cook was on the field for 72% of offensive snaps, continuing his transformation into a true bell cow back. Cook has now posted back-to-back snap counts of over 70%, after only reaching that benchmark once in his career prior to this season.

Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) rushes the ball against the New England Patriots | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

2. TE rotation in full effect

You've heard of RB by committee, but the Bills are using a TE by committee approach so far in 2025. After rookie Jackson Hawes led the position group in snaps last week, it was Dawson Knox's turn to become TE1, outsnapping Dalton Kincaid by one and Hawes by 18. All three tight ends have had their turn pacing the trio in snaps, and that trend will likely continue throughout the season.

Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) practices before the game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

3. I am Groot

Greg Rousseau saw a season-high 70% of defensive snaps, by far the most of any edge rusher on the team. While Buffalo typically likes rotating their defensive line, Groot has posted a snap count of over 65% in four of five games to start the year, indicating that he may be on pace for a career-year in snaps.

Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

4. Less nickel than normal

The Bills seem to be focused on transitioning away from their base nickel defense, at least at the rate that they used to run the five DB personnel. Taron Johnson was on the field for 39 of 60 defensive snaps, his third game of the year around the 2/3 mark. Johnson has played 73% of defensive snaps he's been healthy for this season, which is currently his lowest total since 2019.

Aug 9, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7) tackles New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

5. Debut rookie plays more than expected

Third-round pick Landon Jackson made his debut on Sunday night, playing 16 snaps in the loss. Javon Solomon, who had beat him out for a jersey in the first four weeks of the season, was on the field for just three defensive snaps, while still contributing 14 on special teams. This was the first game Buffalo had all five defensive ends active, and it's notable that the rookie already outsnapped Solomon in his first game.

Jun 11, 2025; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills edge Landon Jackson (94) works out during Minicamp | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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