The showdown between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night showcased a dominant performance by the Bills in the first half. While Josh Allen is typically the player in the spotlight, it was the young running back, James Cook, who stole the show at Hard Rock Stadium. Cook, whose brother Dalvin is a former premier ball carrier in the NFL, is considered one of the most underrated playmakers in the game.
At 24 years old, Cook has a name that stands out in the league, yet he manages to fly under the national radar. With seasoned veterans like Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley securing lucrative contracts in the offseason, many wonder if Cook is on track to be the next big-money back in the NFL.
On the field, Cook’s performance speaks for itself. By halftime of Week 2, he had already accumulated nearly 80 yards from scrimmage and scored three times – twice on the ground and once through the air. This impressive display made him the first Bills back with three first-half scores since Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas in 1992.
And here’s the kicker – Cook achieved all this while sharing touches with reserves Ray Davis and Ty Johnson, and despite Miami having a time of possession advantage. His productivity on the field is undeniable.
Since the start of the 2023 season, Cook ranks fifth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage, with 1,670 entering Thursday’s game. Players like Breece Hall, Tyreek Hill, CeeDee Lamb, and Christian McCaffrey are ahead of him, all strong contenders for Offensive Player of the Year. Cook’s numbers speak volumes about his talent and impact on the field.
Despite his impressive stats, Cook has not received the acclaim he deserves. With over 1,100 rushing yards in his first full season as a starter and averaging 5 yards per carry and almost 10 yards per catch over his first two seasons, it’s clear he is a force to be reckoned with.
Although Josh Allen’s presence is monumental for the Bills and the team has not always prioritized the ground game, Cook has proven himself to be an efficient and explosive ball carrier. His success on traditional carries, ranking second in 2023 for yards on rushes between the tackles, solidifies his status as one of the best in the league.
It’s time to recognize Cook as more than just a sidekick in Buffalo. He is a top playmaker for the Bills, alongside Josh Allen, and he is only getting better as he enters his third year in the league. Keep an eye on James Cook – he is poised for greatness.