The first 30 minutes of Thursday night's prime-time game made James Cook stand out after 34 career games.
Cook scored three first-half touchdowns to help the Buffalo Bills beat the Miami Dolphins 31-10.
"James Cook really showed up in a lot of different ways for us tonight," remarked McDermott.
After a 2023 Pro Bowl, Cook had two running touchdowns in his prior two seasons. He matched that number on Thursday night, scoring on a 17-yard Josh Allen reception to start the game, then a 1-yard running score and a 49-yard ground game-breaker in the second quarter.
The goal-line score was certainly No. 3, but it could be the most significant going forward. Cook has only four running touchdowns in 34 games and few goal-line carries. That could change.
"Seems like each week, he's getting more comfortable and confident," he remarked. "He's been begging for some goal-line runs and we gave it to him, and he got his touchdown down there."
Cook, 24, believes offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Co. trust him in short-yardage situations and was beaming after the victory. "Like you seen today, if they trust me, I'm going to get it into the end zone," he stated.
Overall, the game showed that the growing back is versatile. He ran for 78 yards on 11 runs at 7.1 yards per carry and caught a touchdown. Cook has grown since Brady took over last season, becoming a focal part of the offense and a complement to Allen.