The Buffalo Bills are still riding high off that emotional 39-34 comeback win over the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday. It even gave quarterback Josh Allen his 18th Player of the Week award, which was well deserved.
Even though the Bills are playing their best football when it counts, there's still one critical area that needs improvement.
One major Buffalo Bills issue that needs to be corrected now prior to the playoffs
While everybody took care of business and the defense made the big plays when it counted, one player who's been a focal point has also had his shortcomings, fumbling the ball at crucial moments. Star running back James Cook has lately been coughing up the ball, allowing the other team to recover it and get into scoring position.
During the Bengals game this past Sunday, the Bills were trailing 21-18 in the third quarter, and were moving the ball to possibly take their first lead of the game. But Cook didn't see the defender coming in behind him, and he swooped the ball from him and tried to run into the endzone without the ball.
Luckily, the Bills' defense stepped up in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback.
Cook has to do better at protecting the ball next time, so it doesn't come down to the team potentially losing a game at an unnecessary moment. That means one fumble, and they're once again watching two other teams playing the Super Bowl from home.
Cook actually fumbled two times in one offensive series. Despite his first being ruled a no-touchback and a penalty pulling Buffalo out of the red zone, Cook's second fumble counted because it rolled into the end zone, but Cook had no ball in his hand while trying to find the end zone.
Since signing his 4 year, $48 million contract extension, Cook has been worth every nickel, but it has come with turnovers. Despite being second in the league in rushing yards, he also has a career high in turnovers and leads the league with six fumbles.
James Cook has to stop fumbling for Buffalo Bills to reach their potential
Unfortunately, the back has fumbled four times in his last two games. Even prior to Cook's fumbling problems, he had only two in the previous 11 games.
Cook is still the Bills' best running back, but he must look for a solution to his fumbling woes, or it may cost them from reaching the playoffs. It's a correctable fix for Cook, and if he can quickly curb his fumbles, this already potent Buffalo offense will be even more elite.
If he keeps fumbling, it could hinder their playoff hopes. But being the professional that Cook is, he is aware of his fumbles and will work on keeping the ball clutched closely to his body.
The Patriots' defenders can play mental games with Cook during their matchup this Sunday and will look to punch the ball out of his hands, knowing he's been more lax in gripping it. But don't think for one minute that Cook isn't aware of this issue; he's doing his best to fix it before it's too late.