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'Absolute stud' RB James Cook's ability makes Bills' WRs 'go get that block'

The Buffalo Bills' running back is rolling right now, and his teammates are somewhat awestruck
Ralph Ventre|
Sep 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets
Sep 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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It's important to remember that the play is never over when Buffalo Bills' running back James Cook carries the ball.

Just this past Sunday, Cook did one of his patented human joystick moves en-route to a 44-yard touchdown run in a 30-10 victory over the New York Jets. Looking to be stopped four yards past the line of scrimmage, Cook slipped a tackle, made a cut and took the play outside to the end zone.

"That dude does some great things. I don't think he gets enough credit," said Bills' starting wide receiver Keon Coleman. "He gets skinny through a lot of tight spaces. He makes guys miss. You would think you might have the angle, and he just looks like he's jogging and beats the angle, and you just won't catch him."

The 6-foot-4 Coleman has caught himself wanting to adoringly watch the electrifying ball carrier race upfield, but there's no time to stand around when Cook's on the loose.

"It's hard not to watch sometimes. You're just watching him make all them guys miss, you forget, you gotta go get that block because he might break it," said Coleman.

Josh Allen's take on Cook

Affectionately referred to as Jimbo, Cook has developed a great working relationship with NFL MVP quarterback Josh Allen, who thinks the world of the Bills' RB1.

“He's an absolute stud. He makes us a better team," said Allen on Tuesday afternoon in Orchard Park.

RELATED: James Cook receives ultimate compliment from retired Bills' HOF running back

Signing a four-year contract extension in August, Cook is apparently in prime form.

“He's looking as good as he ever has. very happy for him and proud of him," said Allen.

Josh Allen hands off
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen hands the ball off to running back James Cook during the first half of the wild card game against the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 12, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cook's production thru 2 weeks

Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing campaigns, Cook is averaging 5.2 yards per carry through two games in 2025.

Already making a case for a third consecutive Pro Bowl nod, Buffalo's primary back has 237 yards from scrimmage after two weeks. That mark ranks fifth amongst AFC leaders. His three rushing touchdowns are tied for the conference lead with Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Daniel Jones.

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20+ years of media experience to Buffalo Bills ON SI. Prior to focusing on the Bills, he spent two years covering the New York Jets. Ventre initially joined the ON SI family in 2021, providing NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.