When the Buffalo Bills decided to give James Cook a 4-year, $48 million extension this past summer, it showed fans that the Bills wanted to keep their dynamic running back for the future to keep the pressure off of Josh Allen. In 2023 and 2024, Cook became a rising star in this league with back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons and he was tied for the most rushing touchdowns last season.
Cook got off to a hot start this season, rushing for 100+ yards in three of the first four games. However, he’s averaging 68 yards on the ground the last two games and hasn’t been in the endzone since Week 4.
In Week 6 against the Falcons, Cook finished with 17 carries for 87 yards, but this was his first catch where he didn’t have atleast one target in the passing game. Cook was misused by the Bills and it played a big role as to why the Bills only put up 14 points throughout the game.
Bills offense failed to utilize one of their best weapons in James Cook in Week 6
According to Howard Simon, per ESPN, Cook’s snap count was at 52.6% which was his second lowest of the season so far. The Bills ended up in a third-down situation nine times, converting only twice, but Cook was not out on the field for any of those plays, as well as the one fourth-down conversion that the Bills failed at.
James Cook snap count last night was 52.6%. His 2nd lowest of the season. Lowest 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. That’s inexcusable.
— Howard Simon (@hsimon62) October 14, 2025
One of the biggest criticisms about Cook was that he’s not a third-down back. Sure, that might be the case. However, maybe the coaching decision should be questioned as to why their second best offensive player is coming off the field in these critical moments.
It doesn’t make sense at all. You don’t take away the star power. You find a way to get them involved and move the chains. Buffalo did not play good situational football against the Falcons and part of the reason why is because they got too creative or they relied on Josh Allen, once again, to save them.