ORCHARD PARK, N. Y. -- The 'Peanut Punch' has become a prevalent tactic in the NFL, causing significant issues for ball carriers. On Oct. 11, New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo fumbled in overtime after Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne executed the maneuver, stripping the ball and ending the Giants' win chance.
One day later, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III suffered a similar fate against the Los Angeles Rams, where linebacker Nate Landman punched the ball loose. The technique, popularized after 2012 and named after former Chicago Bears defender Charles "Peanut" Tillman, involves a tackler throwing a haymaker at the football to dislodge it rather than wrapping up the ball carrier. Since the 2025 season, Cook has fumbled 11 times, leading all running backs at a rate of once every 44 carries.
Skattebo fumbles once every 40 carries. Defenders are punching at the ball nearly every drive, and being labeled a ball security risk makes a carrier a target. The more a player fumbles, the more opponents try to strip them.
Bills coach Joe Brady has threatened decreased playing time if Cook doesn't improve ball security. As the 6-1 Bills prepare to face the 6-1 Minnesota Vikings, who led the NFL in forced fumbles in 2025, the effectiveness of the Peanut Punch and strategies to counteract it are under intense scrutiny. Countering the Peanut Punch requires offenses to carry the ball "high and tight," squeezing it across the chest diagonally with one point in the crook of the elbow and the other between the chin and opposite shoulder.
Applying pressure with fingertips, bicep, forearm, and rib cage is essential. Lowering pads and ensuring the wrist is always above the elbow, with no air between the ball and body, prevents the crease defenders exploit. When contact is sensed, ball carriers should brace by crossing the off-ball hand over the on-ball wrist to protect the football.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing