Buffalo Bills coach Joe Brady has warned that James Cook’s workload could be reduced unless the running back fixes a costly ball-security problem that has followed him through the opening five games.
Cook has put the ball on the ground four times this season, with two of those fumbles recovered by opponents. Brady said Buffalo cannot overlook the issue simply because it escaped Monday night’s overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams.
“He’s doing a lot of great things as a runner, and I don’t want that to get lost,” Brady said Tuesday. “But when the ball is on the ground, it wipes out the good things. I have complete confidence in him, which is why he went back in the game. But there have to be consequences eventually when negative plays keep happening.”
Brady said the problem could cost Buffalo games if it continues, adding that Cook’s carries will decline if he does not improve his handling of the football.
Two fumbles against Rams put spotlight on Cook
Cook had two strips in the Rams game. Buffalo recovered a third-quarter fumble, but Cook lost possession again in overtime, giving Los Angeles a chance to take control of the finish.
The Bills avoided a far more damaging outcome when defensive lineman Gregory Rousseau blocked a field-goal attempt. That play prevented Cook’s overtime turnover from becoming the decisive moment in the game.
Defenders are trained to attack the football and a runner will occasionally lose possession on a well-placed punch-out. Still, Cook’s four fumbles in five outings have made ball protection an immediate concern for the Bills’ offensive staff.
Production remains central to Buffalo offense
Cook has otherwise been among the league’s most productive backs. He is third in the NFL with 532 rushing yards, is averaging 5.6 yards per attempt and has scored five rushing touchdowns.
Brady made clear that Cook remains Buffalo’s preferred option when the ball is secure.
“James knows that when he has the football, he is carrying the entire organization in his hands,” Brady said. “When he is running with it, there is nobody else I would rather have. But we have to finish with the football. Right now, he is exposing it.”
If the Bills decide to trim Cook’s snaps, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson are the leading alternatives in the backfield. For now, Cook’s production gives him room to correct the issue, but Brady’s message was direct: Buffalo needs its top rusher to protect the ball before the turnovers change the distribution of carries.
