The Buffalo Bills turned their top running back into a short-order cook.
James Cook went back into the game against the New England Patriots to tie a franchise record with his 16th rushing touchdown of the season.
The single-season total matches O.J. Simpson’s 16 rushing touchdowns in 1975.
Quarterback Josh Allen only played one snap and wide receiver Amari Cooper and offensive tackle Dion Dawkins were inactive as the Bills backups saw extended action since Buffalo already clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
Cook still had something to play for one touchdown shy of tying Simpson’s record. He was given four carries inside the Patriots’ 15-yard line on Buffalo’s second possession, including one from the 1-yard line, but was unable to get into the end zone.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott told CBS sideline reporter during halftime that he’d like to get Cook a touchdown.
He did.
Cook hadn’t received a carry in more than 20 minutes of game time but was rolled back out midway through the third quarter on first-and-goal from the 3-yard line. He ran up the middle for 2 yards and was given another carry from 1 yard out, sidestepping in for the touchdown.
His touchdown gave Buffalo its first lead of the game, 16-14.
“No. 1, you’re trying to make sure you’re protecting (Cook) as much as you can and we’re smart with it,” McDermott said after the game. “He’s worked all year. The offense has worked all year, the O-line and James, and so get a chance to get it on a short run was good to see.”
Cook surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in the game. He entered Week 18 with 981 rushing yards and rushed for 28 yards on 10 carries to bring his season total to 1,009 yards.
Cook was not named to the Pro Bowl despite leading the NFL in touchdowns.
Cook and Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry each have 16 rushing touchdowns and 18 combined rushing and receiving touchdowns, which are both most in the league. No other running backs have more than 14 rushing touchdowns. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase leads the NFL with 17 receiving touchdowns.
