Atlanta, Georgia, October 13, 2025
News Summary
As the Buffalo Bills prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons, running back James Cook is determined to score his first touchdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Despite a recent setback against the New England Patriots, the Bills remain a strong team with a solid rushing offense. Cook has been a standout performer this season, contributing significantly to the Bills’ success. This upcoming game presents him with an opportunity to overcome past challenges faced during his college career at Georgia, where he never scored at this venue.
Atlanta, Georgia – As the Buffalo Bills prepare for their Monday night matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, running back James Cook is looking to achieve a notable milestone at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the same venue where he never found the end zone during his college career at the University of Georgia. Cook, who scored 20 touchdowns throughout his four years at Georgia, participated in three SEC championship games there but did not manage to score in those contests.
The Bills, currently holding a 4-1 record, are eager to recover from a recent 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots. This game marked the first time this season that the Bills offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen, failed to score 30 points. Cook, who had a season-low of 49 rushing yards in that game, also saw the end of his franchise-record touchdown streak at eight games.
As Cook aims to score his first touchdown in a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he emphasized the importance of refocusing on their game plan, stating that they must revert to their established style of play to get back on track.
In the 2024 season, Cook has emerged as a dual-threat back, significantly contributing to the Bills’ offense since taking on the starting role. He has achieved a total of 23 touchdowns (21 rushing) since the season began and presently ranks second in the NFL with 430 rushing yards and is tied for second with five rushing touchdowns through Week 6.
The Bills’ strong offense has been backed by an average of 154.4 rushing yards per game, ranking second in the NFL through their first five games. However, the Atlanta Falcons are known for their solid defensive performance against the pass and allow an average of 109 rushing yards per game, positioning them in the middle tier of the league defensively. Jeff Ulbrich, the Falcons’ first-year defensive coordinator, is strategizing on how to contain both Cook and Allen during the game.
In his personal journey, Cook shared that during his freshman year at Georgia, he was behind notable players D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield on the depth chart. In his last two seasons, he shared the backfield with Zamir White, who is now a backup for the Las Vegas Raiders. After a training camp holdout, Cook signed a four-year contract extension and continues to build on his reputation as a critical asset for the Bills.
Another factor in this matchup will be the comments made by Bills linebacker Shaq Thompson regarding Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Thompson, who has faced Robinson previously, praised him as a significant challenge, while he also expressed confidence in Cook, predicting that he would likely score during the game.
The matchup between the Bills and the Falcons is set to be an exciting contest as both teams aim to secure a win, with Cook looking to finally cross the goal line at the venue that served as a reminder of missed opportunities during his college years.
FAQ
What is James Cook trying to achieve at Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
James Cook aims to score his first touchdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the upcoming game against the Falcons.
What is the significance of Cook’s college career related to his professional game?
Cook never scored a touchdown in three SEC championship games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during his college career at Georgia.
What was the result of the Bills’ recent game against the Patriots?
The Bills lost to the New England Patriots 23-20, marking the first time their offense was held under 30 points this season.
How has James Cook performed in the 2024 NFL season?
Cook has scored 23 touchdowns (21 rushing) and ranks second in the NFL with 430 rushing yards as of Week 6.
How does the Bills’ rushing offense rank in the NFL?
The Bills have averaged 154.4 rushing yards per game, placing them second in the NFL through their first five games.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| James Cook’s Objective | First touchdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Recent Team Performance | Bills at 4-1, lost last game 23-20 against New England |
| Cook’s 2024 Season Stats | 23 touchdowns (21 rushing), 430 rushing yards (2nd in NFL) |
| Buffalo’s Rushing Performance | Averaging 154.4 rushing yards per game (2nd in NFL) |
| Atlanta’s Defense | Allows 109 rushing yards per game |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Buffalo Bills Prepare for Key Matchup Against Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons to Host Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football
Additional Resources
- NFL: James Cook Bursts Through Falcons Defense
- Wikipedia: National Football League
- Syracuse.com: Bills’ Use of James Cook
- Google Search: Buffalo Bills James Cook
- SI: Week 6 Preview of Bills vs Falcons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Buffalo Bills: Injury Updates
- Google News: NFL
- DraftKings: Best Parlay Picks Bills vs Falcons
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
