Outside of Week 1, Josh Allen really hasn’t been the MVP-level player that we saw last season. However, seeing that the Bills are at 5-2 despite him not being the dominant quarterback he is, that’s okay.
Whether you want to say it’s because of the way playcalling has been or not, Allen hasn’t exactly performed to the level that we saw last season. The good news is that a reason why he doesn't need to be Superman for the Buffalo Bills is because of who he has behind him running the ball.
After getting his contract extension right before the season, James Cook has been electric for the Bills with four games of 100+ yards including his first 200+ rushing yard performance against the Panthers in a blowout 40-9 win.
Josh Allen says what all Bills fans are thinking about James Cook
After the win against the Panthers, Allen spoke with the media and kept it to the point about James Cook. Per Alex Brasky, Allen told the media “When you have James Cook, let him cook.”
Josh Allen: “When you have James Cook, let him cook.” pic.twitter.com/T1QT0FUPn3
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) October 26, 2025
This offense for Buffalo has had no problem establishing the run and it shows in their wins. When Cook gets going, it becomes nearly unstoppable for a defense to contact the Bills’ offense. That’s why it doesn’t make sense why the Bills decide to take Cook off the field in crucial situations. He is by far your second best offensive player and without him, the offense becomes very easy to stop.
Cook’s 19 carry performance is tied for his third highest of the season. In four of five wins for the Bills, Cook has had 19+ carries on the ground. The more involved he is in the offense, the better chance the Bills have at winning. Going into next week’s game against the Chiefs, this is something that Joe Brady wants to keep in mind. The more that Cook is on the field, the better off Buffalo is.