The Buffalo Bills walked into their Week 16 matchup against the Cleveland Browns knowing they needed to stay sharp-and they got a wake-up call early. The Browns came out swinging, striking first with a 12-yard touchdown toss from rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to wide receiver Harold Fannin Jr. That opening drive put Cleveland up 7-0 and gave the home crowd something to cheer about right out of the gate.
But the Bills didn’t flinch.
On their very first possession, Buffalo answered in emphatic fashion. James Cook, who's been nothing short of electric this season, took a handoff and exploded through the line for a 44-yard touchdown.
It was a run that showcased everything that makes Cook so dangerous-vision, burst, and those elite-level feet that keep defenders guessing. Just like that, the game was tied at 7-7, and Cook had made his presence known once again.
The touchdown wasn’t just a momentum shifter-it was a milestone. That run pushed Cook ahead of Colts star Jonathan Taylor for the most rushing yards in the league this season. He’s averaging 101.1 yards per game, a number that speaks to his consistency and explosiveness in an era where the running back position is often undervalued.
Veteran NFL analyst Skip Bayless chimed in shortly after the score, calling Cook “the best running back in the NFL, because he has the best feet.” And while opinions like that always spark debate, it’s hard to argue with the tape.
Cook’s footwork is surgical. He’s not just fast-he’s elusive, patient, and decisive.
When he plants and goes, defenders are often left lunging at air.
Buffalo didn’t stop there. Later in the first half, they took their first lead of the game when Ty Johnson punched in another rushing touchdown, making it 13-7. It was a reminder that this backfield isn’t just about Cook-there’s depth, and the Bills know how to use it.
This game had all the makings of a classic December showdown: two teams with playoff hopes, weather that tests your toughness, and a ground game that takes center stage. And for Buffalo, it was a chance to flex a bit-especially with Cook continuing to run like a man on a mission.