Ray Davis, a 2024 fourth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills, is emerging as a special teams ace on a Super Bowl caliber squad. His contributions will be instrumental as the team makes a push for their first playoff berth during the 2025 season. Originally a running back, Davis has proven to be an explosive playmaker in a variety of ways, most notably as a kick returner. His additions have helped to shore up the defense, particularly down the stretch in important games.
In the first preseason game of the year, Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott provided Davis with an opportunity to showcase his kicking abilities. Even though he hadn’t kicked a field goal or PAT since high school, Davis accepted the challenge. This daring call by McDermott showed just how much the coaching staff believed in Davis’ upside.
Davis hasn’t just made a name for himself at running back. He’s been one of the nation’s most explosive kick returners. He opened the second half against the Miami Dolphins with a nice 58-yard return to set the tone. This electrifying quarter hour really jump-started the energy and momentum for the team. As a former NCAA returner of the year, he regularly creates big yardage on returns. This relatively new skill has been key for the Bills in gaining positive field position.
Davis faces plenty of competition for playing time on offense as well. What’s made him completely bloom on the field is his running mate, fellow RB James Cook III. Pointing to that limitation, Davis nonetheless has been communicative about wanting a bigger role in the offense. His ambitions are deepened by his work ethic and desire to learn from teammates.
Throughout the season, Davis has maintained communication with special teams coordinator Chris Tabor and fellow players to refine his skills and understand opponents better. He emphasized the importance of preparation, stating:
“…It’s the preparation that I take throughout the week. … From communicating with Reggie Gilliam, Cam Lewis, and just everybody out there, what they see and what they do in terms of the blocking scheme. But it’s still a craft. It’s not an art yet.” – Ray Davis
Davis’s contributions extend beyond kick returns. Week 12 saw him achieve a record of his own returning a touchdown in a loss to Texans. He did make one PAT against the New York Giants. This performance proved he is dexterous, soon sole to do most whatever work comes his way.
As the season continued, Davis’s role on special teams proved to be even more essential. For Weeks 13-15, the Bills had an average starting field position of the opponent’s 32-yard line. This enormous starting field position speaks to just how sickening and maniacal Davis and his teammates’ attack was. Tabor acknowledged this achievement, stating:
“We said if we could just clean those up, we’re right there.” – Chris Tabor
Davis proved to be a special teams game-changer in close contests. His onside kick during the Week 10 loss against the Miami Dolphins highlighted just how important he is in game-defining moments. This is an excellent reflection of his overall talent and priority to make plays, but his courage to not shy away from the moment.
It’s not just ingenuity, but Davis’ toughness and character that has enabled him to thrive in his new role. Coach McDermott recognized this transformation, stating:
“Ray just has been doing an amazing job of just not hitting it, hitting it,” is incorrect, “Ray just has been doing an amazing job of just not waiting for something to pop open, just hitting it.” – Cam Lewis
Davis is really trying to stake his claim on special teams. Simultaneously, he’s advocating more for offensive opportunities than ever before, displaying a clear and unmistakable fire in his chest. He humorously noted his aspirations for scoring more touchdowns:
“He’s embraced a role that maybe wasn’t his initial goal, perhaps, right.” – Sean McDermott
As Davis continues to carve out his niche on special teams while also pushing for more offensive opportunities, his determination remains evident. He humorously noted his aspirations for scoring more touchdowns:
“Let me score one more, then maybe I’ll talk.” – Ray Davis
Leave a Reply