The Houston Texans did a decent job containing quarterback Josh Allen when they faced the Buffalo Bills last season. However, the same could not be said for running back James Cook who put up over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown on Houston along with a few receptions.
Going into this matchup in the season opener, All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson recognized that Cook's role would be a problem to defend. A key way to eliminate the explosive runs is to stabilize the middle and attack with the importance of gap integrity and eye discipline.
"Much hasn't changed, he's still an explosive running back,” Anderson said of Cook Wednesday. “He had some big games against us. A lot of great runs against us at Alabama. He was on our scouting report all
the time. He's a really tough running back and he's so patient. He'll wait, he'll wait, he'll wait and then he'll just explode to the outside and take off. That's what makes him so great. He's not just an 'Oh, I'm going to go right now.' He just tries to see and feel everything out. For us, it's going to be holding gaps, everybody staying where they need to be, getting extension, playing with great eyes, great feet and being in a position to go make the play."
If the Texans are looking at game tape from last season to defend Cook, the Bills’ game against the New England Patriots in Buffalo could help. In that game, Cook played on 72.1 percent of the offensive snaps but only had 3.3 yards per carry, a total of 49 yards and not a single reception.
The Jacksonville Jaguars had success against Cook, holding him to just 51 scrimmage yards. These games just go to show that Cook can be contained and with all the talent the Texans have defensively, Houston can keep him in check and get a win in its first game of the season.
Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CT.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans All-Pro DE Will Anderson talks defending Bills RB James Cook
