Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen may be the reigning league MVP, but has someone else in mind for the award this season.
Allen had a rather pedestrian game in the 23-20 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, completing 12-of-19 passes for 130 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. It was instead running back James Cook who provided the spark for Buffalo’s offense — and earned an MVP endorsement from his quarterback after the game.
Josh Allen Wants James Cook to Take Home the Trophy
Speaking to reporters after the game, Allen said he believes Cook is the MVP this season. Cook ran for 117 yards and two touchdowns, picking up the offense when Allen struggled to connect with his wide receivers.
âHe’s the best back in football. I don’t know how the awards will shake out, but he should be in the running for every award. He makes our offense go,” Allen said.
Cook now has 1,532 yards, moving into first place in the NFL in rushing — at least temporarily. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has 1,443 yards, but has the chance to pass Cook again when his team plays the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Despite his strong performance, Cook is not considered to be in the running for MVP, with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford becoming the runaway favorite.
There’s still some other personal accolades on the line for Cook this season. If he can hold off Taylor over the final two weeks of the season, he can become the first Bills running back to lead the league in rushing since O.J. Simpson.
Cook was asked after the game if he believes he’s playing the best football of the year, and the running back said there’s still more he can do.
âYeah, but thereâs a lot of room for improvement,” Cook said. âIt ainât over yet, so we just gotta keep going.â
Bills Creep Closer to Playoff Spot
With the win, the Bills moved to the doorstep of the NFL playoffs. They had a chance to clinch a berth on Sunday afternoon, but the Houston Texans rallied to beat the bottom-dwelling Las Vegas Raiders. The Bills get another chance on Monday when the Colts face the 49ers, with a Colts loss clinching at least a wild card spot for the Bills.
Buffalo still has a chance to steal the AFC East crown, needing to win one more game than the Patriots the rest of the way.
Allen said after the game that the team needs to win any way they can — even if it’s ugly, like Sunday’s victory over the Browns.
âWe feel like weâre in playoff mode now,â Allen said, via The Athletic. âItâs just âFind a way to win a football game.â Obviously, it wasnât the prettiest way we can win. We have some stuff to clean up, but weâll take a victory.â
Veteran safety Jordan Poyer added that he’s grateful to be in position to reach the playoffs again.
âThese times donât come around often, so just embrace all of it â the ups, the downs, the lefts, the rights. Itâs all part of the journey, and weâre excited to be in this position,” Poyer said.
âThis is December football. Itâs totally different than the beginning of the year. Everybodyâs looking for an edge. Everybodyâs playing hard. Itâs cold, wet. Fans are in it, holiday season. This is the type of football where you want to be playing for something.â
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