In the heart of Buffalo’s playoff opener against Denver, running back Cook emerged with a performance that was nothing short of pivotal. Often flying under the radar during the regular season, Cook’s quiet yet impactful efforts were brought into sharp focus following his Pro Bowl snub—a decision that did not sit well with him, as evidenced by his candid expressions on social media.
Cook entered the Wild Card round with a point to prove, and did just that, sculpting a narrative of redemption with 23 carries for a hefty 120 yards and a touchdown. His first-half exploits were crucial, especially considering Buffalo’s offensive stumbles early in the game. He notched 78 yards on 13 carries, holding a robust average of 6.0 yards per carry. These efforts kept the score within grasp, with Buffalo barely edging ahead 10-7 at halftime.
But Cook’s substantial groundwork laid a firm foundation. It allowed quarterback Josh Allen to find his rhythm and dominate the second half, a changeup that put the Bills in the driver’s seat against the Broncos. Without Cook’s relentless ground assault in the opening half, the Bills might not have pulled away for such a decisive win.
Topping the NFL charts with 16 rushing touchdowns and racking up 1,009 yards with a notable 4.9 yards per carry, Cook’s stats speak volumes. The AFC running back field might be competitive and deep, but it seems clear: a Pro Bowl berth was well within Cook’s reach. His performance not only underscores his talent but also elevates his importance in the Bills’ offensive arsenal.
