Allowing James Cook To Shine Is Helping Josh Allen’s MVP Case
Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
James Cook still probably doesn’t get enough attention around the league for what he has done for the Buffalo Bills, which is probably that’s not all that shocking with Josh Allen leading the way. On Sunday though, Cook reminded us, with every time he touched the ball, why he has become a quarterback’s best friend.
While Allen had all kinds of issues moving the ball through the air on Sunday, Cook was the constant threat on the ground, leading the Bills to a victory over the New England Patriots. He finished the game with 11 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown. The passing game had so many issues that Cook was also the leading pass catcher, finishing with three receptions for 26 yards and another score.
Last season, everyone was talking about how special the Bills offense was, and they were, but they only averaged 26.6 points per game. Even though that was sixth in the NFL, the offense has taken an even bigger step forward to the point where they are averaging 31.3 points per game, second to only the Detroit Lions.
Yes, the former Wyoming Cowboys star has been the catalyst of the offense, but a more balanced offense that includes even more of Cook, especially in the red zone, has made this offense even better, which in turn has helped Allen’s MVP case.
It might sound like a broken record, but we have to keep beating the dead horse: this offense is more complete and balanced without Stefon Diggs‘ presence. Last season, Diggs was targeted 160 times. Compare that to this year. With two games left, Khalil Shakir has been the leading target-getter with 94.
Cook will probably actually finish this season with a couple fewer touches than last season, and the yardage will probably be similar, as well. But the big difference is touchdowns. In 2023, Cook had 237 carries for 1,212 yards and two touchdowns. Through 14 games this season, Cook has rushed for 928 yards on 182 carries for 14 touchdowns on the ground.
Last season, the Bills had only three total rushing touchdowns outside of Allen, and the difference is their philosophical change on offense. Instead of Allen being forced to try and look for their diva on the outside, he’s been able to direct the ball toward the easiest path to scoring, which in turn has made the Bills an even more lethal threat.
It isn’t just the touchdowns in the red zone though that have been the difference; with Cook’s 46-yard touchdown run on Sunday, he broke OJ Simpon’s team record for 40-plus-yard touchdown runs in a season with four.
A good running game always opens up the passing game, and that’s exactly what Cook has been able to do. There is no loading the box with Allen under center, but opposing defenses have to be at least concerned about the running game. This lets the Bills be the true definition of a balanced offense, opening up the playmaking for everyone.
Cook has always been known as a quiet guy who lets his playmaking on the field do the talking. “We were able to bond more just by being around each other more right before Christmas last year,” Shakir said. “People know me as a quiet person, you know Cook as a quiet person. Getting to know him more and more every single week.”
But don’t let the quietness fool anyone. He is an elite running back who comes prepared every week, and his preparation has made him one of the best in the NFL.
Going forward for the Bills, the hope is that Sunday’s squeaker against New England was just a little hiccup and not a sign of things to come. Allen couldn’t get anything going, and he completed only 16 of his 29 passes for 154 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
But while Allen has been consistent for the 2024 season, the same can be said about Cook. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in four games, and 70 yards or more in eight of his games.
Shrek had Donkey, Harry had Ron, Jerry Seinfeld had George Costanza, and Josh Allen has James Cook. Okay, maybe people don’t exactly think about Cook being Allen’s sidekick, but it’s time we do. Cook has opened up the offense, and he is one of the key reasons that the Bills are true title contenders.
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