Bills’ James Cook TD puts Buffalo on the board vs. Chiefs

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  • Alaina Getzenberg, ESPNNovember 17, 2024, 4:41 PM ET

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      Alaina Getzenberg is a staff writer covering the Buffalo Bills and the NFL. She joined ESPN in 2021. Alaina was previously a beat reporter for the Charlotte Observer and has also worked for CBS Sports and the Dallas Morning News. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. You can follow her on Twitter @agetzenberg.

ORCHARD PARK, NY — The Buffalo Bills kicked off their highly anticipated Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs with an absolute statement.

To start with, safety Taylor Rapp picked off quarterback Patrick Mahomes when he was pressured by defensive tackle Ed Oliver. An unnecessary roughness penalty forced the Bills to start the ensuing drive at the team’s own 35-yard line, but it was no problem.

Quarterback Josh Allen led Buffalo on an eight-play, 65-yard drive that ended with a 3-yard rushing touchdown by running back James Cook, his ninth of the season. His previous high in a year was two rushing touchdowns.

The drive was aided greatly by a 30-yard dart from Allen to wide receiver Amari Cooper on third-and-6 from the Buffalo 39. Cooper caught the pass one-handed with his left hand despite missing the previous two games with a left wrist injury.

The early success gave the Bills a 6-0 lead after kicker Tyler Bass missed the PAT.

Cook added to his day in the second quarter, capping a nine-play, 65-yard drive with a six-yard run into the end zone thanks in part to a significant run opened by the Bills’ offensive line.

The score marked his third game this season with multiple rushing touchdowns, and he became the first Bills running back with at least 10 rushing touchdowns in a season since LeSean McCoy in 2016 (13).