Bills marvel at James Cook as RB the catalyst for historic day vs. Steelers

Adam Schultz

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Bills marvel at James Cook as RB the catalyst for historic day vs. Steelers image

© Charles LeClaire

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was the main architect in the 26-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers as the run game bludgeoned the Steelers' defense.

A grand total of 249 rushing yards, which is now the record for most rushing yards by a visiting team to Pittsburgh, 144 of which were from Cook and his 32 carries.

It now puts Cook at 1,228 yards on the year, which is a career-high for the two-time Pro Bowler as the Bills, at 8-4, look to build on their Week 14 win.

But make no mistake, quarterback Josh Allen, who only had 23 pass attempts, knows how crucial Cook is to the offense.

"He's one of, if not the best back in football," Allen said. "The way he can grab the ball and hit the hole as fast as he can and the way that he can move, shake the first guy, he's very rarely tackled by the first defender, he makes our offense go."

More: Bills' Josh Allen points to 1 critical moment that woke up offense vs. Steelers

Bills beat Steelers despite quiet Shakir day

The Bills might have put up 26 points, but once again, the receiver room struggled in Pittsburgh, with Cook being the leading "receiver" with just 33 yards.

Keon Coleman had nine yards and a touchdown, while Allen's No. 1 weapon, Khalil Shakir, had one reception for just five yards. 

That isn't what we are used to seeing from No. 10.

Still, the Bills managed to do enough to get the win thanks to a couple of defensive acts with Joey Bosa's forced fumble, which Christian Benford scooped up and ran in for a score, and the corner was at it again with an interception of Mason Rudolph.

So, there is plenty of room to grow for the passing game, which was luckily helped out in a big way by the run game in Pittsburgh.

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Contributing Writer