The Buffalo Bills got off to a hot start on their first drive against the Houston Texans. Coming into this game, there was a bit of concern about how this Buffalo offense would perform against this Texans defense which is the best in the league overall. They know how to defend the run and shut down the pass.
With Buffalo’s offense being streaky this season, fans were a little worried as to how they would be right out of the gate against Houston. Well, it started out as best as they could which ended in a 45-yard touchdown run by James Cook.
JAMES COOK 45-YARD HOUSE CALL!
— NFL (@NFL) November 21, 2025
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James Cook's TD run puts himself in franchise history books
With that run, not only did the Bills take the lead against the Texans, but Cook also found himself making some history. According to the Buffalo Bills’ PR team, Cook has become the third Bill in franchise history to rush for 1,000+ yards in three consecutive seasons, joining Thurman Thomas and O.J. Simpson.
James Cook III has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for a third consecutive season.
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) November 21, 2025
Cook III is the third Bill in team history to rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons, joining Thurman Thomas (8 consecutive seasons) and O.J. Simpson (5).
Since 2023, Cook has stepped as the starter out of the backfield and has taken off for Buffalo. He has solidified himself as the best back the Bills have had since LeSean McCoy, and he continues to prove to doubters that the Bills made the right choice to extend him this past summer.
Cook is on pace for career highs in many categories, and you could even make the argument that he could come close to his 16 rushing touchdowns that he had last season.
Joe Brady must keep finding ways to keep Cook in the gameplan in order to keep pressure off of the offense and control the game. Houston’s defense is still elite, but they aren’t perfect either. The more that the Bills can control the clock and run the field, the better off they will be in order to win this game on a short week.