Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III. Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Bills RB James Cook's 44-yard TD against Browns amazed J.J. Watt

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 2:18 PM ET

CBS analyst/former Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt just became an even bigger fan of Buffalo Bills running back James Cook.

Watt was on the call for Sunday's game between the Bills and Cleveland Browns. Early in the first quarter, Cook made an explosive play that impressed Watt.

J.J. Watt breaks down James Cook's 44-yard touchdown run

Quarterback Josh Allen handed the ball off to Cook on a 2nd-and-4. The RB darted to his right past two Cleveland defenders and then across the field, taking it to the house for a 44-yard TD.

"My goodness," Watt said while watching the instant replay. "Talked about the offensive line, but you have to talk about how special James Cook is. There were two unblocked defenders in his face. He splits them, makes his way downfield, reverses course, goes all the way back into the end zone. Three carries for 67 yards and a touchdown on that first drive."

"MY GOODNESS" - @JJWatt breaks down James Cook bonkers TD run pic.twitter.com/LPo3iTtk5R
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) December 21, 2025

Cook — who signed a four-year, $46M contract this offseason — has been special for the Bills this season. Entering Week 16, he ranked second in the NFL in carries (271) and yards (1,415) and was tied for fifth in rushing TDs (10).

But he hasn't been generating as much buzz as other star RBs, such as Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons) and Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts). Cook's numbers are comparable to both stars. Entering Sunday, Taylor led the league in rushing yards (1,443), and Robinson ranked fourth (1,174).

As of Sunday, DraftKings Sportsbook gives Cook +20000 odds to win Offensive Player of the Year. Taylor, meanwhile, holds +1100 odds, and Robinson has +15000 odds.

It's easy for Cook to be overshadowed when he's on the same team as Allen, the 2024 league MVP. The RB, however, may be the Bills' second-best offensive player and deserves his flowers. Watt would agree.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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