James Cook Dominates After Contract Extension: Highest PFF Grades Prove He’s the NFL’s Best RB
James Cook’s 2025 season is nothing short of spectacular, and with a four-year, $48 million contract extension signed in August, it’s clear that the Buffalo Bills are reaping the rewards of a player who’s poised to be one of the league’s most dominant running backs. Cook has kicked off the season with a bang, reaffirming his place as one of the NFL's most productive players at his position.
After missing part of training camp due to a contract dispute, there were concerns that Cook’s preparation might suffer. However, those fears have quickly been silenced as Cook has been on fire, leading the league in rushing touchdowns. He has already surpassed 5 yards per carry, with 12 receptions from Josh Allen, and continues to prove why he was worth every penny of his new contract.
Cook’s stellar performance against the New Orleans Saints in Week 4 was one for the ages. With 135 yards and a touchdown, he played a pivotal role in the Bills’ 12-point win. The running back has now posted three straight 100-yard games, including a performance where he averaged 5.3 yards per carry and forced six missed tackles. His performance earned him an 86.5 grade from Pro Football Focus, the highest of any Bills player, further cementing his status as one of the league’s top backs.
Buffalo’s offensive line has played a crucial role in Cook's success, but it’s his ability to make plays happen on his own that has stood out. Coach Sean McDermott praised Cook’s ability to remain focused and calm, even in high-pressure moments, noting his consistency as the team's offensive anchor.
Cook’s role on the team is only growing, and with him leading the charge, the Bills are positioned to make a serious run at the playoffs this year. As he continues to rack up yards, touchdowns, and highlight-reel plays, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of Cook’s dominance in the NFL.
‘Really Special To Be A Part Of:’ Cam Heyward Says Steelers’ Team Bonding Was Highlight Of Ireland Trip
The Pittsburgh Steelers played their first international game in over a decade, with the team heading to Ireland for its Week 4 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. Not only did the Steelers pick up a win, they got a lot closer as a team. On his Not Just Football podcast, Cam Heyward said that the team bonding in Ireland was one of the highlights of the trip.
“We really captured some good team bonding. And it’s hard in our game today. Everybody’s on their phones, everybody’s got a million things going on, everybody’s got podcasts,” Heyward said. “To have an opportunity to just be with the boys, to talk about Netflix documentaries, to talk about guys having Netflix documentaries about them, The Enigma. Talking about what’s going on in our lives, how we can all just hang out, coaches involved. It was really special to be a part of. Good vibes.”
Not only did the Steelers all stay at the same location overseas, a five-star resort 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dublin, but they also had a long flight to and from Dublin. It’s a good chance for guys to get closer to one another. It’s different from a normal road trip, where the Steelers travel to a place where many of the players have probably played before and have their routine. It’s a new country and environment, which helped the team bond.
It’s similar to the vibe at training camp. Everyone’s staying in dorms at Saint Vincent College, and players and coaches hang out and get closer ahead of the season. In-season, it can be hard to maintain that same sense of camaraderie. Players have families and other commitments that take up their time off the field, and they aren’t spending as much time with one another. It’s good that this trip provided that opportunity.
Having a team where everyone has each other’s back and guys want to play for another is key, and it’s good to hear that the Steelers got closer as a team on this trip. They have a long second half of the season with an early Week 5 bye, and there’s going to be some tough moments where guys will need to lift each other up. Getting closer on a personal and professional level will make that easier to accomplish.
