The NFL’s rushing crown has a new owner, and his name is James Cook.
The former Georgia Bulldog turned Buffalo Bills breakout star put a stamp on a stellar season with a 117-yard performance in the Bills’ 23-20 win over the Browns. That outing pushed Cook to a career-high 1,532 rushing yards on the season-enough to edge out Colts running back Jonathan Taylor by 43 yards for the league lead.
“He’s the best back in football,” said Bills quarterback Josh Allen after the game. “I don’t know how awards shake out, but I mean, he should be in the running for every award.”
Cook didn’t just lead the league-he made history. He’s now the first Georgia running back to top the NFL in rushing yards since Terrell Davis did it back in 1998.
That’s elite company. The Bills, who clinched a playoff spot thanks to the Colts' loss on Monday night, still have two regular-season games left-against the Eagles and Jets-but Cook’s body of work has already made a loud statement.
And he’s not the only former Bulldog making noise in Week 16.
Matthew Stafford Keeps the MVP Buzz Alive
Seventeen seasons in, and Matthew Stafford is still out here lighting up defenses like it’s 2009 in Athens.
The Rams quarterback threw for a jaw-dropping 457 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-37 shootout loss to the Seahawks. It was the third-highest passing total of his career-and a reminder that Stafford isn’t just aging gracefully, he’s still one of the most dangerous arms in the league.
He currently leads the NFL with 4,179 passing yards and 40 touchdown passes, and with the Rams already locked into the postseason, Stafford’s MVP case is gaining steam.
“When you talk about an igniter, that’s what he is,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “He ignites people around him.
He elevates them. And that to me is what a legacy is about.”
George Pickens Breaks Out in Big D
George Pickens is thriving in his first season with the Cowboys, and Sunday’s game against the Chargers was another showcase of his growing star power.
The third-year wideout set career highs across the board-88 receptions, 1,342 yards, and nine touchdowns on the season. He hauled in seven catches for 130 yards in the 34-17 loss, marking his fifth 100-yard game of the year. For context, he had nine 100-yard games combined over his first two seasons.
Pickens has become a go-to target in Dallas, and his ability to stretch the field and win contested catches has been a game-changer for the Cowboys' offense-even in a tough loss.
Quick Hits from Former Bulldogs Around the League
- Ladd McConkey found the end zone for the first time since November 30, catching four passes for 43 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers’ win over Dallas. He’s now just two scores away from breaking his single-season TD record of seven.
- Nakobe Dean started at linebacker for the Eagles in their 29-18 win over the Commanders but exited with a hamstring injury. His status will be one to watch heading into the final stretch.
- Jordan Davis, Dean’s teammate on the Eagles’ defense, made his presence felt with six tackles, including two for loss. The big man continues to be a disruptive force up front.
- Brock Bowers hauled in all five of his targets for 33 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders’ narrow 23-21 loss to the Texans. It was a bright spot in an otherwise tough season for Las Vegas, who dropped to 2-13.
From the backfield dominance of James Cook to the late-career brilliance of Matthew Stafford, Georgia alums made their mark all over the NFL in Week 16. With the playoffs on the horizon, don’t be surprised if these former Dawgs keep barking loud into January.