James Cook’s showing up big in the NFL this year. He is proving his value after holding out for a long-term deal during the offseason. The former Utah State running back has turned into one of the most important weapons on the Buffalo Bills offense. His gaudy per game averages have dramatically increased the team’s offensive production. Cook enters this week having scored a rushing touchdown in seven straight regular-season games, the longest active streak in the league. His performance puts him in a four-way tie with three other players for longest such streak in franchise history.
Through this season, Cook has racked up four touchdowns, putting him among the top scorers in all of the NFL. He now shares the honor of having the most rushing touchdowns with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Cook is the second highest in the league for rushing yards, proving that he can wear down the defense and get the ball down field in chunks.
Cook’s elusiveness is underscored by his yards before first contact, where he leads the league. Even more interesting is that 47 of his 53 rushing attempts—an incredible 89%—have been between the tackles. So far this season, he’s rushed for 242 yards on late-and-close plays. This eye-popping effort puts him in a tie with Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor for the most in the NFL.
His recent performance is a result of that uptick in workload, Cook’s attempts per game increasing from 12.9 just before the All-Star break to 17.7 since. This carry increase is indicative of his rising prominence in the Bills’ offense. This year, Cook demonstrated his toughness on a memorable play. He rushed for 40 yards after first contact on his 44-yard touchdown run—his most after first contact on a career touchdown rush, according to statmuse.
Additionally, Cook has made strides in his post-contact game, this season averaging a career-best 2.62 yards after first contact per rush. These stats are a testament to his tremendous growth and physicality this summer. As he’s improved his timing and vision, he’s become way more adept at running between the tackles.
Cook has been outstandingly active on the field this season, being included in 56.2% of the Bills’ plays, counting penalties. This is an incredible jump up from his 47.5% participation last year. This increase is a clear indicator of his essential part to the team’s offensive design.
Despite facing physical demands as a professional athlete, Cook has shown exceptional resilience, having missed only one game in his career due to injury. His relentless pursuit to try and realign his game to reach another level has earned him rave reviews from teammates and coaches.
David Edwards, a fellow player on the Bills’ offensive line, emphasized Cook’s unique abilities on the field:
“I think that the most important thing that those guys do, including James, is they put us on our blocks.” – David Edwards
Cook himself acknowledged that his success is tied to his ability to evade defenders and gain additional yards.
“So, it’s one thing to be able to see the results of the play and say, ‘Oh, well, James did this, this, and this.’ Well, he has to set us up in a way that puts us on blocks. If he gets the ball and just cuts it back, the defense reacts accordingly. So, his ability to press blocks, put guys on us, makes our job so much easier, and that’s why he’s so special.” – David Edwards
Cook himself acknowledged that his success is tied to his ability to evade defenders and gain additional yards:
“That’s what that comes with and trying to break those long runs and break ’em early. And in order for me to do that, I have to make guys miss, keep fighting for extra yards.” – James Cook
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