When fans think of the Bills‘ offense, they often focus on how outstanding quarterback Josh Allen is at making plays. However, it’s essential to recognize that Buffalo also boasts one of the best running backs in the NFL, James Cook.
Cook is enjoying an impressive season, racking up 1,308 rushing yards and finding the end zone eight times over the course of 13 games.
Although Cook is difficult to contain, he does struggle with ball security, fumbling six times this season.
Cook Has a Fumbling Issue
If the Patriots hope to contain Cook on Sunday, they’ll need to force a turnover. Conor Roche from Boston.com emphasized the importance of getting Cook to lose the ball.
“As Cook’s had a career year, though, he’s also among the league leaders in a stat no one wants to be tops in: fumbles,” Roche wrote on Saturday. “Cook has fumbled the ball six times this season, which is tied for the seventh-most in the league. But it’s the highest mark among running backs. No other running back has more than four.
“Four of those fumbles have come in the last two weeks, fumbling the ball twice on the same drive against the Bengals last week. One of those fumbles was recovered by the Bengals as Cook was about to rush in for a touchdown.”
Despite having one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, the Bills must tread carefully against strong teams like the Patriots, as they have little margin for error.
Sometimes Buffalo’s offense struggles to advance the ball, and a big part of that can be attributed to the receiving corps’ underwhelming performance this season.
Pro Football Focus has ranked the Bills’ receiving grade 17th this season, which likely won’t cut it come playoff time.
The good news is how great Cook is playing this season and how he has taken some of the weight off Allen’s shoulders.
The Bills and Cook Agreed to a New Contract This Summer
Before the season began, there was speculation that Cook might not continue with the Bills.
Cook was heading into his final year under contract this season and had no new deal as of the start of training camp in late July.
The four-year veteran running back practiced during the early days of training camp but chose to stage a hold-in rather than a hold-out, in which the player is at the facility but does not participate in practice.
After a few days of discussion, the Bills and Cook agreed on a four-year, $48 million contract extension at the beginning of August.
It’s a relief that the Bills and Cook secured a new contract before the season kicked off, as there was a possibility that Buffalo might have chosen to trade him to get something in return.
Cook is poised to play a crucial role for the Bills in the upcoming four weeks of the regular season and as they head into the playoffs. First and foremost, the Bills must focus on defeating the Patriots to keep their hope of clinching the AFC East title and securing a home playoff game in the first round alive.
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