Bills fans should expect a quiet Week 4 from James Cook vs. Ravens

One of the reasons why the Buffalo Bills are off to a fantastic 3-0 start is because of their star running back in James Cook. Even though he has yet to rush for 100 yards in a game, he is averaging 63 yards on the ground through the first three games. In addition, Cook has been valuable in the receiving game, averaging 32 receiving yards out of the backfield.

He runs hard and can get into the open space in the second and third level. In Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins, Cook had three total touchdowns and earned the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award from that game. The third-year back has been special for the Bills since last season.

Cook is someone that opposing defensive coordinators have to respect and gameplan for him. However, Week 4 might be Cook’s true first quiet game this season.

The Bills are heading into Baltimore for a Sunday Night Football matchup against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Baltimore comes into this game coming off their first win against the Dallas Cowboys and are looking to improve to 2-2. One of their strengths through three games has been their run defense.

James Cook may not be cooking much on Sunday Night Football

The Ravens run defense has only given up 50 yards per game through the first three weeks. Buffalo has relied on the rushing attack to set themselves up for great passing opportunities. Maybe Josh Allen will end up turning broken pass plays into runs, but as far as designed runs, the Ravens might be a bigger challenge for Joe Brady.

If anything, the one true way that Cook can be a contributor against this Baltimore defense is catching passes out of the backfield. Having his presence in that aspect of the game could even help the offense as the Ravens may want to focus on stopping Cook in-between the tackles rather than containing him on the outside.