Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, who is third in the NFL for rushing yards this season with 532, has a lingering issue that is raising concerns. Despite leading the league in rushing last year with 1,621 yards, Cook’s tendency to fumble is becoming prominent.
In Buffalo’s first five games, Cook has fumbled four times, the most in the NFL this season. His latest two fumbles were recorded in their 37-34 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams. The most recent fumble nearly cost the Bills the game. Cook has accumulated 11 fumbles over his last 23 games, inclusive of playoff matches.
This issue is frustrating head coach Joe Brady, who suggests that Cook’s playing time might decrease if the fumbling continues. Brady stated, “Right now, we’re putting the ball in harm’s way. The way that we lose football games is we turn the ball over. Our two best players turned the ball over last night, and James has put the ball on the ground. Look, he’s doing some good things running the football.”
Brady continued, “I don’t want to lose sight of how great he’s running the ball right now. But putting the ball on the ground — it’s negating all the positives. And I have all the confidence in him, that’s why I put him back out there. But at some point there has to be consequences when we’re putting negative stuff out there.” Brady emphasized the seriousness of the situation, saying, “So, those are conversations we’re having that are ongoing, and James knows it’s important to him. That can’t happen, and it’s going to cost us football games. … We can’t confuse because we won the game that that’s OK.”
Should Brady opt to reduce Cook’s workload due to this fumbling issue, backup Ray Davis might see more action. Davis had 275 rushing yards, accompanied by 10 receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns last season. Additionally, Ty Johnson and Frank Gore Jr. are available to increase their involvement and potentially gain more carries per game.
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