The Buffalo Bills will face the New England Patriots on Sunday. Before that happens, coach Mike Vrabel has some praise for James Cook.

Mike Vrabel Throws Shade at Patriots RBs With Strong Praise for James Cook

The Buffalo Bills [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nfl/buffalo-bills/?utm_medium=website&utm_source=website_internal&utm_campaign=web_link_5] are leading the AFC East at 4-0, powered by James Cook’s breakout season. The New England Patriots [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nfl/new-england-patriots/?utm_medium=website&utm_source=website_internal&utm_campaign=web_link_1], sitting at 2-2, will face them in a primetime showdown on October 5 at Highmark Stadium. Ahead of the matchup, head coach Mike Vrabel had a pointed take on his own backfield, and what he said about Bills RB Cook got people talking. It started with a simple question. In a video posted on X, Patriots head coach was asked whether the team had done anything special in practice to mimic Buffalo Bills running back James Cook. His response, delivered with a straight face, “If we had somebody that could show us a look for James Cook, we’d be using him a lot…” The Patriots’ offense has been shaky this season, especially in the backfield. Both Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson have fumbled at critical moments, losing control when it mattered most. Against the Steelers, New England coughed up the ball four times, each one recovered by Pittsburgh, who capitalized on the miscues to seal a 21-14 win. In stark contrast, RB James Cook is performing exceptionally well this season. And the Patriots’ head coach has had a few words for him. Praising Cook, Vrabel said, “He’s very talented with the football in his hand, and they do a great job of maximizing his skill set – understanding that defensively, everybody’s at the point of attack no matter where the ball starts with him… Rarely does the first guy tackle him.” James Cook is off to a dominant start in 2025, rushing for 401 yards on 75 carries (5.3 YPC) with 5 touchdowns in four games. He has added 89 receiving yards on 12 catches and hasn’t lost a fumble. Averaging over 100 rushing yards per game, Cook was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for September, becoming just the second Bills RB to earn the honor since Thurman Thomas in 1991. While Cook continues to shine in Buffalo, another familiar name will be stepping onto Highmark Stadium’s turf, this time, on the opposing sideline. PATRIOTS WR STEFON DIGGS RETURNS TO BUFFALO Stefon Diggs, now with the New England Patriots, is set to return to Highmark Stadium in Week 5 for a primetime clash against his former team, the Buffalo Bills. The veteran wideout spent four seasons in Buffalo before being traded in 2025, and Sunday’s matchup marks his first game back at Orchard Park since the move [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-bills-bills-star-dion-dawkins-addresses-stefon-diggs-return-after-josh-allen-downplays-buffalo-reunion/]. Despite the new rivalry, Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins says the bond between them remains strong. During a conference, Dawkins said, “Diggs is our teammate. Like, Diggs is ours. Diggs is one of us. And we’re a part of his journey just as well as he’s a part of ours.” While Diggs has already faced the Bills once, during the 2024 season as a member of the Houston Texans [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nfl/houston-texans/?utm_medium=website&utm_source=website_internal&utm_campaign=web_link_2], this will be his first time doing so on Buffalo’s home turf. That previous meeting ended in a 23-20 Texans win, with Diggs held without a touchdown. After the game, Diggs acknowledged the emotional weight of facing his former team. Now, as he returns to Buffalo in a different uniform, the focus shifts to his performance on the field. With the spotlight on him once again, Sunday’s primetime matchup will speak for itself. 

Kratika Vajpayee is a NASCAR Editor at EssentiallySports, with a decade of experience as a sports correspondent and editor shaping her expertise. A graduate of Journalism and Communication with a diploma in French, she has a proven background covering a diverse range of major sporting events, including live cricket, UFC, and hockey. This broad expertise allows her to craft engaging content for NASCAR enthusiasts.

Her professional journey includes roles as a news reporter, senior correspondent, and editor at various media houses. Throughout her career, she has honed her skills in reporting, editing, public speaking, and social media. Kratika's work in print media has given her an understanding that precision is paramount, as there is no room for error once a story is published.

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Mike Vrabel Throws Shade at Patriots RBs With Strong Praise for James Cook

Mike Vrabel Throws Shade at Patriots RBs With Strong Praise for James Cook

​Patriots WR Stefon Diggs returns to Buffalo

Patriots WR Stefon Diggs returns to Buffalo