Buffalo Rumblings on James Cook
From the article
James Cook has had a better start to 2026 than a season ago when he led the NFL in rushing yards. Through six games in 2025, the Buffalo Bills feature back had rushed for 537 yards at a 5.0 yards-per-carry clip. Through six games this season, Cook has 627 yards on the ground at a 5.4 yards-per-carry clip.
STACKED’s take
Cook's rushing efficiency improved to 5.4 YPC despite facing heavier boxes; elite among RBs in stacked-box scenarios.
James Cook has improved rushing efficiency in 2026 despite heavier defensive boxes; through six games, he has 627 yards at 5.4 yards-per-carry (up from 537 yards at 5.0 YPC through six games in 2025 when he led the NFL in rushing yards). Against seven-or-more box defenders, Cook's efficiency has surged: 92.3% of his runs face stacked boxes (up from 89.7% last year), yet he averages 5.34 yards per carry with a 21.9% explosive run rate (up from 12.4% last year). Among 38 running backs with 40+ carries against seven-plus defenders through Week 6, Cook ranks 2nd in carries (108) and rushing yards (577), 3rd in yards per carry (5.34), and 1st in explosive run rate (21.9%). His 3.52 yards before contact against stacked boxes is the highest in the league, reflecting both his elusiveness and the Bills offensive line's performance.
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