All offseason, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook wanted a new contract, and while it took a lot longer than he would have liked, it got done.
While some might have balked at paying a running back $12 million APY, there is no denying Cook deserved it, with back-to-back Pro Bowls and 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years.
And to start the 2025 season, Cook has been in Pro Bowl form, rushing for 284 yards and four touchdowns through three games, so it looks like, at least early on, that the decision to pay him was the right one from general manager Brandon Beane.
For offensive coordinator Joe Brady, he's been nothing but impressed with how Cook has performed so far.
"You can feel the explosiveness once he gets through the hole and the vision and going, but I think he's in a really good spot," Brady said. "I know sometimes that's tough when a guy, it's human nature sometimes when a guy, you get a contract and maybe you kind of get a little comfortable and that's not in his DNA. If anything, I think he's taken a step up in his game, and it's pretty fun to see."
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Cook a huge offensive piece for Buffalo
Given all the weapons at Allen's disposal, the biggest one is perhaps the offensive line, which we can argue is the best in football.
Because of that, Cook has been able to run through huge holes created by his offensive line, and sometimes, he's a handful of yards past the line of scrimmage before he's touched.
The fear of Cook consistently pounding the football helps the passing game for Allen, and in the last two games, James has had over 100 rushing yards and at least 19 attempts.
So, while many look at the offense to be led by Allen, we think that Brady's offense is helped by Cook and the run game, which, aside from the Baltimore Ravens, could be seen as one of the better ones in football.
Even with his new contract, Cook appears as determined as ever to be the leading guy for the Bills in 2025.
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