James Cook's Career Day Powers Bills: 'I Was Hungry!'

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook had his first career 100-yard game as he continues to separate himself in a crowded backfield.

Entering his second NFL season, expectations were very high for Buffalo bills running back James Cook.

A second-round pick out of Georgia, Cook rushed for 507 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie, along with 180 yards and a score as a receiver. He showed great promise with 5.7 yards per carry, but played largely a backup role behind Devin Singletary. With Singletary now departed, Cook now has a much larger role in the offense despite the Bills bringing in other backs.

In Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Cook showed that he is more than deserving of that increased role. The second-year back racked up 123 yards on 17 carries, notching his first career 100-yard game. 

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"Kudos to my line, my O-line," Cook said after the game. "They blocked great and opened up lanes for us and we hit them."

With Cook running effectively, the Bills were able to play up to their offensive potential on Sunday. They were marred by turnovers and a one-dimensional scheme in their season-opening loss to the New York Jets, but with more balance against the Raiders, the offense fared much better.

"The more that we can hand off to [Cook] and these guys, they're getting five, six yards a pop, staying in front of the chains, putting us in second and short situations where now we can hand it off again or we can take a shot … so huge ups for O-line today and our running backs," quarterback Josh Allen said after the game.

While Cook was the workhorse back, the rest of the backfield had a chance to shine too. Damien Harris and Latavius Murray may not have had the yardage that Cook did, but both scored their first touchdowns in Bills uniforms. 

"I tip my hat to our offensive line and our three running backs," coach Sean McDermott said after the game. "It's important that we have that. We can be a two-dimensional offense, pound the ball when we need to pound it. … When you can control the line of scrimmage, it makes play-calling a lot easier."

After a career day, Cook will look to take that momentum with him for the rest of the way and headed into Week 3’s meeting with the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field.