1.) James was able to “cook” as the main running back
The second-year back finally got the opportunity to get a majority of the carries on the ground and show just a flash of what he can provide to this Bills offense. Cook finished this game with 17 carries for 123 yards, while also adding four catches for 36 yards in the passing game. There was a lot of hope and praise for Cook throughout training camp and this game was a display of what could come for the remainder of the season.
One of the best plays that Cook had which seemed so simple, yet it showed his toughness was him getting hit behind the line of scrimmage by linebacker Robert Spillane, bounced back off the hit and diving to pick up three yards. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but for a back his size to get hit for negative yardage and still make something positive happen is a mood booster for sure.
Cook will be tested for sure next week as the Washington Commanders’ defensive line is filled with phenomenal defensive linemen in Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Although, if the Bills’ offensive line is able to keep up with their blocks, Cook should pick up where he left off this week.