With a trip to Super Bowl 59 on the line, Josh Allen wasn’t the Buffalo Bills most valuable player. It was running back James Cook.
Late in the third quarter on a fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line, the Bills went for it as Josh Allen ran an option play, pitching it to running back James Cook, who managed to dodge one would-be tackler, bounce off another and extend the ball across the plane of the end zone while falling to the ground to give the Bills a 22-21 lead.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is headed to the Pro Bowl Games as a replacement for Baltimore Ravens star Derrick Henry. The Bills also announced Tuesday that Buffalo center Connor McGovern is going to the event in Orlando,
Here is why the Bills regret not giving James Cook a snap on the final drive of the AFC championship vs. Chiefs.
Cook and McGovern were both voted as first alternates back in Week 18. Starting left tackle Dion Dawkins and quarterback Josh Allen were the lone two Bills to earn spots on the AFC's initial Pro Bowl roster. Allen likely will forego the opportunity after injuring his wrist during the AFC Championship Game loss to Kansas City on January 26.
Former Georgia RB now Buffalo Bills RB, James Cook makes incredible play for a touchdown against the Kansas Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. WATCH: James C
Cook’s gutsiness and athleticism wowed fans, and former superstar NFL JJ Watt posted the perfect GIF to summarize the play, referencing the iconic Michael Jordan dunk from “Space Jam.” Cook and the Bills hope his acrobatic touchdown will lead them to victory, as Jordan’s fictional dunk did.
It came down to a fourth-and-goal play, where James Cook stretched across the goal line from the Chiefs’ one-yard line after being hit by Nick Bolton. Despite the tough hit, the third-year back reached out midair, giving the Bills a 22-21 lead.
The Kansas City Chiefs, two-time defending Super Bowl champions, continued their march to NFL history with their 32-29 triumph over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC title game at Geha Arrowhead Stadium. The Philadelphia Eagles destroyed the Washington Commanders by the record-setting score of 55-23 at Lincoln Stadium in the City of Brotherly Love.
Second-year Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba also was named as a replacement for Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Smith-Njigba tied the Seahawks franchise record with 100 receptions this season and had 1,130 receiving yards and six touchdown catches. This is his first Pro Bowl selection.
The Bills were hoping to be occupied with Super Bowl planning this week, but their loss to the Chiefs last Sunday means that their players are free for other things.