BREAKING: Buffalo Bills’ James Cook and Family Face Heart-Wrenching News About His Father
In a deeply emotional announcement, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook and his family are facing a devastating personal challenge. Cook’s father has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, and the family is coming together to provide him with all the support he needs during this incredibly difficult time.
James Cook, known for his dynamic running style and explosive playmaking ability on the field, shared the heartbreaking news today through a personal statement on his social media. While the specifics of his father’s condition have not been revealed, Cook expressed his gratitude for the support they’ve already received and emphasized his commitment to being there for his father as he navigates this difficult journey.
“My father has been my biggest inspiration and my strongest supporter throughout my life,” Cook shared in his emotional post. “This is the toughest battle our family has ever faced, but we are going to stay strong and united. I’m asking for your prayers and support as we face this challenge together. My family means everything to me, and we will get through this, no matter what.”
The message quickly spread across social media, with Bills fans, teammates, and NFL fans offering their support, prayers, and words of encouragement to Cook and his family. Known for his leadership, resilience, and dedication on the field, Cook’s vulnerability in sharing this personal struggle has only deepened the respect and admiration of his supporters.
The Bills organization has issued a public statement of support, with general manager Brandon Beane saying, “James is a remarkable player, but it’s his heart and character that truly define him. Our thoughts are with him, his father, and their entire family during this incredibly difficult time. The entire Bills organization stands behind them, and we will support them every step of the way.”
This news comes during a season where James Cook has been playing at a high level, showcasing his talents as a key part of the Bills’ offense. However, his focus now shifts to his family as they face this emotional trial.
As James and his family navigate this difficult time, football takes a backseat. The entire Bills community, along with NFL fans around the world, stands united in supporting James and his family as they face this challenge together.
Overlooked Starter Facing Criticism for Steelers Defensive Woes
The Pittsburgh Steelers had major issues trying to cover the Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers and place pressure on quarterback Joe Flacco in Week 7. But Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin blamed the run defense as much as anything for the team’s issues in Cincinnati.
On Thursday, former Steelers defensive lineman Chris Hoke had one player in mind to blame for the Steelers poor run defense — Keeanu Benton.
“Two of those [long runs allowed] were Keeanu Benton,” Hoke argued on Thursday’s The Pomp and Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan, via Steelers Depot’s Jeremy Pike. “He’s just got to be in his gap.
“I praised him a couple times over the last couple weeks about how he played; I think he played very, very well against the Vikings in Dublin. I think he had a sack and a half. He had a couple tackles for a loss. Played extremely well in terms of technique and leverage.
“Then this game, whether you’re trying to make a play, whatever you’re trying to do, it’s not consistent.”
Steelers’ Keeanu Benton Struggling to Take Next Step in Development
As Benton has gone this season, so has the Pittsburgh defense. Really, he has been a microcosm of the play from the Steelers defense this season.
Benton posted a below average Pro Football Focus player grade in run defense during the first three weeks of the season and in Week 7. In those four games, the Steelers allowed an average of 140 rushing yards per contest.
In Weeks 4 and 6, Benton recorded an average PFF run defense grade. During those two games, the Steelers yielded 135 rushing yards total.
PFF grades are not the end all, be all. Benton also hasn’t posted a PFF run defense grade above 61 (out of 100) in any game this season. So even in his better performances, Benton hasn’t been elite.
But it does appear that when he struggles to stay in his gap, the Steelers run defense experiences major issues.
The Steelers will enter Week 8 ranked 17th in rushing yards allowed per contest.
Another Former Steelers Player Criticizes Defensive Line
Hoke, who started 10 games for the Steelers No. 1-ranked defense in 2004, wasn’t the only former Pittsburgh player who didn’t like what he saw from the black and gold last week.
Former Steelers full back Merril Hodge didn’t call out Benton specifically. But Hodge was very critical of the Pittsburgh defensive line.
“The thing that was probably the most concerning was their defensive line kind of fell back into the first two weeks,” Hodge said during an appearance on 102.5 WDVE this week, via Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora. “How they kinda got manhandled. Cincinnati manhandled them up front.”
Simply put, that’s just not a recipe for success.
Benton has to play better, but so does the rest of the Steelers defensive line.
In six games this season, Benton has posted 12 combined tackles, including two tackles for loss. He also has five quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks.
At PFF, Benton has registered mostly ugly grades. He has excelled the most, according to the PFF grades, at rushing the passer.
