Bills Turn to James Cook With Both Tackles Out as Steelers Prioritize Stopping the Run

Overview

• Buffalo will start backup tackles in Week 13 with Dion Dawkins in concussion protocol and Spencer Brown sidelined by a shoulder injury.
• T.J. Watt emphasized shutting down the ground game to force Buffalo into one-dimensional passing situations.
• James Cook has become Buffalo’s focal threat, with the Bills leading the NFL in rushing and a 12-2 record when he tops 100 yards since 2022.
• Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin pointed to the Texans’ approach that held Allen in the pocket and produced eight sacks.
• Pittsburgh’s defense has slumped, allowing 23.9 points per game with a pass defense ranked 31st and run efficiency metrics near the bottom per NextGenStats.