The Buffalo Bills struggled to move the ball in last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, scoring just one second-half touchdown despite some improved efforts from their defense.
The Bills faced scrutiny after the game for their usage of running back James Cook, who was on the field for a little more than half of the offensive snaps despite being one of the most effective players. With the Bills now in their bye week, head coach Sean McDermott hinted at some changes for Cook in the coming weeks.
Bills Failed to Utilize James Cook
The Bills have regularly taken Cook off the field on third downs, inserting backup Ty Johnson for his stronger blocking ability. That decision extended to other downs against the Falcons, with Cook on the field for a little more than 50% of snaps.
Longtime Bills reporter and WGR 500 host Howard Simon called out the Bills after the game, saying it was inexcusable to keep Cook off the field for so long.
âJames Cook snap count last night was 52.6%. His 2nd lowest of the season,â Simon wrote in a post on X. âLowest was in the blowout win over the Jets. As per ESPN, Cook was not on the field for any of the Bills 9 plays on 3rd down or their 1 play on 4th down. Thatâs inexcusable.â
McDermott has already addressed the issue. The Bills coach told reporters this week that he spoke to offensive coordinator Joe Brady about getting more use out of the team’s top running back.
âJoe and I have already talked about that to some extent today. Itâs important to keep in mind going forward,â McDermott said.
McDermott also addressed the decision to run an end-around to wide receiver Elijah Moore on a failed third-and-one. While he did not openly criticize the play call, McDermott stressed that âwhatever play we call, we have to execute it at a higher level.â
Cook still managed 17 carries for 87 yards in Monday’s loss, but has seen his role in the passing game shrink. He is averaging 2.0 receptions for 14.8 receiving yards per game, the lowest since his rookie season when he was splitting time with running backs Devin Singletary and Zack Moss.
Bills Could Add Help at Trade Deadline
The Bills have dropped two straight games, falling into a tie with the New England Patriots atop the AFC East — with the Patriots currently holding the tiebreaker. After struggling on offense for the past two weeks, some insiders have suggested the team could find some help ahead of the upcoming NFL trade deadline.
Sal Maoirana of the Democrat and Chronicle suggested the team could take aim at Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, but might find more success in elevating Gabe Davis from the practice squad.
“In his four seasons with the Bills, Davis averaged 16.7 yards per reception and caught 27 TD passes,” Maiorana wrote. “The now injured [Joshua] Palmer is averaging 16.7 yards, but itâs on just 14 catches, one of which was a 45-yarder Monday. Among the receivers who get the lionâs share of the snaps, Shakir is 10.7 per catch, Coleman 9.9.”
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