Bills running back James Cook had the chance to get the team on the board with an early touchdown against the Eagles on Sunday, but the opportunity slipped right through his fingers. Literally.
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen targeted the 24-year-old running back on a wheel route, on which Cook managed to gain some separation from Philadelphia’s Nicholas Morrow.
Despite Allen throwing a near perfect pass to Cook, he was unable to haul it in, and it certainly looked as if he’d have had a clear path to the end zone had he caught it.
After his drop on the Bills’ second drive, Cook saw some time on the sideline, as he was reportedly not on the field for the following 14 offensive snaps, per Joe Biscaglia of The Athletic.
Fans on social media were fuming after Cook’s drop, and they had plenty to say on X.
Might this play come back to haunt the Bills? pic.twitter.com/EGSNcHpb8T
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 26, 2023
The James Cook drop is ultimately a 14-point swing.
— Hänsel (@UberHansen) November 26, 2023
Self-inflicted wound for the #Bills.
James cook has to come down with that man. That's money left on the floor followed by back to back penalties taking us out of FG Range 🤦🏿♂️
— 🎙️Rico🎙️ (@Rico_BF_) November 26, 2023
Can't do that against the 9-1 Eagles!! https://t.co/U8dUL3vzg8
James Cook alone costing the Bills 7 EPA https://t.co/sFyo41en26
— Kevin Massare (@KevinMassare) November 26, 2023
Bills highlights look familiar... https://t.co/FwOox3yYPn
— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) November 26, 2023
Absolutely. Gotta have that https://t.co/3C0pRO7lMp
— Jared Cooper 🍺🍻🍺 (@JCoops05) November 26, 2023
James Cook has had a good season, but you have to catch that ball and you can’t be afraid of contact and need to get first downs on the boundary. #BillsMafia
— Ajay Cybulski (@AjayCybulski) November 26, 2023
James Cook Has to catch that football. That was a TD right in his has. It should be 7-0 Buffalo. Then that Neal face mask was stupid. No need for it.
— LeShawn Jerman (@warloc6) November 26, 2023
It's early, but that James Cook drop might look awfully huge by day's end. Changed everything
— Sal Maiorana (@salmaiorana) November 26, 2023
