The Buffalo Bills have been highlighted this season because of Josh Allen, who is on his way to winning his first MVP award of his career. Even in Week 15 against the Lions, he had 254 passing yards in the first half alone and helped the Bills get to a 21-14 lead going into halftime.
However, Allen isn’t the only bright star in Buffalo’s offense. Since last season, running back James Cook has become a solid player for the Bills. He even became the first Bills running back since LeSean McCoy to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. He is on his way to doing it again thi this season and his performance so far against the Lions is helping him.
Coming into Week 15, Cook had 11 rushing touchdowns (13 total) on the season. He has added to that number against the Lions with two rushing touchdowns. He rushed one in from six yards out, then he ran 41 yards for his second touchdown of the game. That play put the Bills up 28-14 and it continued the statement that the Bills have been making against the Lions.
On his second rushing touchdown, Cook joined the Bills’ history book
According to the Bills PR team, Cook is now tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns in a single season all-time by a Bill. He only trails O.J. Simpson and his teammate, Josh Allen on that list.
James Cook finds the end zone for the second time today and his 13th rushing TD this season.
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) December 15, 2024
Cook is now tied for the third-most rushing TDs in a single season all-time by a Bill. Only O.J. Simpson (16 in 1975) and Josh Allen (15 in 2023) have run for more.
Before James Cook arrived, the Bills struggled in their rushing attack. Their run game was Josh Allen at one point and the Bills were lucky to get Cook in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. With his presence, the Bills no longer need Allen to make plays with his legs. While he can still do it, there are not a ton of QB-run designed plays which keeps Allen safe.
Cook has the chance to keep climbing the history books himself for the Bills for the rest of the regular season, but his presence needs to make a big impact come playoff time.