If James Cook was at all under the radar over his first 34 career games, he changed that in the first 30 minutes of Thursday night's prime-time tilt.
Cook scored a trio of touchdowns in the first half, lifting the Buffalo Bills to a 31-10 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
"James Cook really showed up in a lot of different ways for us tonight," Bills head coach Sean McDermott said.
Coming off a 2023 Pro Bowl campaign, Cook had scored two rushing touchdowns apiece in his previous two seasons. He equaled that total on Thursday evening, hitting pay dirt on a 17-yard reception from Josh Allen to open the game's scoring in the first quarter before following up with a 1-yard rushing score and a 49-yard ground game-breaker in the second quarter.
Though the goal-line tally was likely No. 3 on the highlight list, it might well be the most impactful going forward. With just four rushing TDs over his first 34 games, Cook hasn't received a ton of goal-line carries. That could change.
"Seems like each week, he's getting more comfortable and confident," Allen said. "He's been begging for some goal-line runs and we gave it to him, and he got his touchdown down there."
The 24-year-old Cook believes he's earned the trust of offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Co. in short-yardage situations and was smiling wide at his accomplishments postgame.
"Like you seen today, if they trust me, I'm going to get it into the end zone," Cook said.
Overall, the game stood as a reminder that the burgeoning back is a versatile threat. He recorded 78 yards rushing on just 11 carries, averaging 7.1 yards per tote to go with his one catch for a TD.
Having blossomed since Brady took over last season, Cook is fast becoming not just a complement to Allen, but a focal point of the offense.
Impressive as his 2023 campaign was when he ran for 1,122 rushing yards, Cook continues his ascension, according to his coach.
"James just continues to grow and get better," McDermott said.
It was a performance all the important for Cook because it came in Miami, where he grew up but has struggled as a pro. In his two prior games on the road against the Fins, Cook had only 13 carries for 32 yards combined. Then came Thursday and a three-TD homecoming.
"He's from here and I know it was important for him to play well," McDermott said. "He's just continuing to grow and develop. Just extremely proud of him."
