Reason No. 3: James Cook and the run-game is set to explode
The NFL is a quarterback-driven league and the Buffalo Bills luckily own one of the best at it. One of the best things you can do to help your quarterback is to establish a run game. While Devin Singletary was great in his four years as a Bill, he never seemed to be able to completely take over a game. That was in large part due to his ability to not be a home run threat, because of his lack of burst.
2022 second-round pick, James Cook, seems set to be the team’s number-one back in the 2023 season. Cook got better as the season went on and flashed the ability of what he can do. He can rip long runs and is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. Cook brings a burst that the Bills’ backfield hasn’t saw since LeSean McCoy was in town.
Cook finished last season averaging 5.7 yards per carry, which led all rookies. It would have led the league if he had 11 more carries during the year. He also brings a great receiving ability out of the backfield, which helps open up the playbook. With an off-season for improvement and an upgraded offensive line, Cook can help take the offense to another level.
Outside of Cook is the Bills’ new power back, Damien Harris. He will be the perfect complement to Cook, who can go run some people over at the goal line, or in short-yardage situations. Nyheim Hines is another great option to have, providing a similar skillset to Cook’s. All-in-all, the Bills will finally not have to rely on Josh Allen’s legs for ground game production. The running back crew, led by Cook, is going to go a long way in improving the team, especially late in the season.