Zack Moss never really got comfortable with the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo Bills, struggling with inconsistent play and watching his role in the offense decrease until he was traded midway through his third season.
But Moss may be set for a breakout season after joining one of Buffalo’s conference rivals, as predicted by Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report. Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report predicted that Moss, who joined the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason, could have a major impact on the field in 2024.
Davenport anticipated that Moss would be able to take over the role left by the departure of long-standing starting running back Joe Mixon in Cincinnati.
Davenport stated that Moss would likely take charge as Cincinnati’s lead back, with second-year pro Chase Brown also seeing some action. He also predicted that Moss would have over 1,000 total yards in 2024, just like Mixon did in five of the past six seasons.
“Moss will do the same in 2024.”
Zack Moss Bounced Back in 2023
Moss made a promising start with the Bills in 2020, running for 481 yards and four touchdowns, but encountered difficulties with injuries and inconsistent play in his second season. James Cook in 2022, Moss's role diminished even more, and he only had 17 carries through five games in 2022 before being traded.
Moss had a more successful season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, running for a career-best 794 yards and five touchdowns while taking over starting duties from an injured Jonathan Taylor.
Davenport believes Moss will continue to improve as he takes over for the departed Mixon in Cincinnati.
“There’s a changing of the guard in the backfield in Cincinnati this year. Longtime starter Joe Mixon was traded to Houston, and fifth-year veteran Zack Moss has been brought in to serve as his replacement,” Davenport wrote.
Moss has expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating that he can rely on the versatility he gained during his time with the Bills.
“I’ve been in a pass-happy offense before and in that role you just kind of find out ways where you can help the team,” Moss told reporters. “When I was in Buffalo, that was, OK, how can I be a better pass blocker? And that helped prepare me for each and every step that I’ve gone to and it’s helped me out as a back throughout the years.”
Bills Developed Strong Running Game
The Bills continued to rely on Cook after Moss’s departure and developed a well-rounded ground attack in 2023. Cook became the first Bills running back since LeSean McCoy to surpass the 1,000-yard mark.
The Bills added more size to the backfield, selecting former Kentucky running back Ray Davis. As Alec White of the team’s official website highlighted, Davis was a versatile threat out of the backfield in college.
“Davis was a valuable piece in the passing game throughout his college career. In 2023, he led Kentucky with seven receiving touchdowns and averaged 9.8 yards per reception,” White wrote. “Davis ranked No. 1 among all FBS running backs in receiving touchdowns. His speed, with a 4.52 40-yard dash, allows him to turn runs or short passes into big gains.
