Buffalo Bills running back James Cook just joined Josh Allen in the franchise’s record books. With his first touchdown of the day, Cook now ranks alongside his quarterback for the second-most touchdowns in a single season in franchise history.

Cook’s fifteen rushing touchdowns this season far exceed those of the previous two seasons, in which he only had two each. During his rookie season, that was to be expected as he played behind Devin Singletary and didn’t start in any of his 16 games. However, in 2023, Cook was the Bills’ number one running back with 1,122 yards. But when it came time to hit the ball over the goal line, it wasn’t Cook who got most of those calls — it was Allen.

Now, however, Cook has matched Allen’s 15 rushing touchdowns from last season — but that doesn’t mean offensive coordinator Joe Brady has stopped calling Allen’s number near the goal line. Quite the opposite. Allen has 12 rushing touchdowns even this season.

Although Cook’s yardage per attempt is only slightly higher than in recent seasons, he already has as many runs of 20 or more yards as he did all of last season. Three of them were over 40 yards long – something he had only done once before. The biggest difference this season, however, might be that Cook hasn’t fumbled the ball once. He lost the ball three times in 2023.

Another change for Cook was the Buffalo Bills’ offensive roster. Not only does he share running duties with freshman Ray Davis and veteran Ty Johnson, he also hasn’t had to catch as many passes this season. Cook has just 29 catches – although one for a touchdown – compared to last season’s 44 receptions (with four touchdowns).

There’s no doubt that the Bills’ offense is more diverse, but also more efficient, than in Cook’s first two seasons in the NFL. While the focus has been on how the changes that have taken place – both to the roster and the fact that Brady can plan for a full spring – in the offseason have improved Josh Allen’s performance. But what may have been overlooked is how those changes helped Cook rise and become the threat the Bills hoped he would be when they selected him with the 63rd pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Cook only needs one more rushing touchdown this season to move Hall of Fame running back OJ Simpson to the top of the Buffalo Bills record books. Sixteen is the franchise record for most rushing touchdowns in franchise history. With five quarters left on the Bills’ schedule, the clock has officially started.