Bills QB Josh Allen says the quiet part out loud that national media needs to hear about James Cook after his latest big game
James Cook, take a bow.
What a gross win for the Buffalo Bills, but gross wins are still wins, and the team is 11-4 after taking care of business against the Cleveland Browns. Buffalo still controls its own destiny and just needs a an Indianapolis Colts’ loss to clinch a playoff berth.
It was a tale of two halves for the Buffalo Bills. In the first half, the offense dominated while the defense sputtered, and the roles were reversed when the second half began.
How dominant were the Bills in the first half? Specifically, running back James Cook put the team on his back and was looking like he was going to lead his team to a victory with another 200-yard performance on the day.
James Cook put on a clinic in the first half against the Browns
Cook scampered his way to a 44-yard touchdown in the early stages, and even quarterback Josh Allen couldn’t believe what he was seeing, giving some major kudos to his RB.
“I mean, it’s unbelievable. I threw my hand up early, and then I put it down. I was like oh he’s tackled,” Allen said. “Then I put it up again after he ran. He’s the best back in football. I don’t know how awards shake out, but I mean, he should be in the running for every award. He’s an absolute stud. We love having him; he makes our offense go.”
The talented running back deserves his flowers for the performance, and should get some NFL accolades this season for the work that he’s put in. While the Colts haven’t played, Cook now leads the league in rushing yards with 1,532 yards while adding 12 touchdowns running and two catching.
Buffalo Bills shut down Myles Garrett in Week 16
It was clear that Buffalo wanted to do everything in their power to establish the run, all while stopping defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett was one sack away from tying the NFL record for most sacks in a single season, but left the game with only 0.5 sack. Say what you will about the performance, but the offensive line did its job well in the contest.
“They did fantastic, the gameplan going into it, you know, getting some hands on him early, giving him different looks,” Allen said. “So, that’s a credit to the offensive staff and the offensive line.”
Cook’s production didn’t just fuel the scoreboard; it dictated how the Browns had to defend Buffalo for four quarters. With Cleveland forced to respect the run early and often, the Bills were able to control the pace of the game and neutralize one of the most dangerous pass-rushers in football. That balance allowed Buffalo’s offensive line to execute the game plan to near perfection.
“We’re going to keep working,” Allen said. “I can help put our guys in better situations and give them better opportunities. Anytime you can run the ball with James Cook and with the success we were having early, we are going to continue to do that, and it’s going to open things up. Just gotta keep trusting it.”
The Bills leaned on their best weapon in the first half, and should’ve given him more opportunities in the second. As long as James Cook is running like he was in the first half, Buffalo will be a problem for anyone when January rolls around.
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A win is a win is a win.
