Bills smother Cowboys on James Cook's career day

Field Level Media|published: Sun 17th December, 19:22 2023

Dec 17, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) runs the ball pressured by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) in the first half at Highmark Stadium. credits: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

James Cook rushed for a career-high 179 yards and totaled two touchdowns to propel the host Buffalo Bills to a 31-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Cook reeled in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen early in the second quarter and rushed for a 24-yard score early in the fourth. The second-year running back also set career-high totals in carries (25) and scrimmage yards (221).

Allen, who threw for just 94 yards, passed for a touchdown and rushed for another for an NFL-record 10th game in a single season. He bullied his way in from 1 yard out with 1:36 left in the second quarter to set the record he previously shared with Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (2020).

The Bills (8-6) posted their second straight win by limiting the Cowboys' top-ranked scoring offense to just 195 total yards and 14 first downs.

Dallas' Dak Prescott threw for just 134 yards and an interception and CeeDee Lamb rushed for a 3-yard touchdown.

The Cowboys (10-4) clinched a postseason berth for the third straight season prior to the game. They punched their ticket after the Atlanta Falcons dropped a 9-7 decision to Carolina Panthers earlier on Sunday.

In addition to the lopsided result, Dallas also lost All-Pro right guard Zack Martin to a left quadriceps injury early in the first quarter. He was injured on a hit by Greg Rousseau and was ruled out for the contest after halftime.

Penalties proved costly for Dallas. The Cowboys committed a personal foul on each of Buffalo's three touchdown drives in the first half.

DeMarcus Lawrence's roughing the passer penalty on third-and-4 extended the Bills' opening drive. Latavius Murray capped it off by pushing his way into the end zone from 2 yards out to open the scoring.

Sam Williams' roughing the punter penalty extended another drive for Buffalo, which capped it off with Cook's touchdown reception.

Rookie Brandon Aubrey drilled a 32-yard field goal to put the Cowboys on the board midway into the second quarter. Jayron Kearse's unnecessary roughness penalty then gave Buffalo a first down on a drive that Allen polished off with his legs.

Tyler Bass made a 23-yard field goal to cap a 15-play, 65-yard drive with 2:36 remaining in the third quarter.

—Field Level Media