5 takeaways from the Buffalo Bills’ offense in 2023

5.) James Cook established a running game for Buffalo

For the first time since 2017, the Bills were able to have a running back run north of 1,000 yards on the ground in James Cook. The last back for them to reach that 1,000 yard mark was LeSean McCoy. Cook rushed for 1,122 yards on the year but only managed to get 2 touchdowns on the ground (4 through the air).

Even though Cook only ran for 100+ yards 3 times this season, the eye test shows that Cook opened up the lanes in the run game and it also helped the Bills get other guys like Latavius Murray and Ty Johnson involved in the rushing attack.

One of the biggest weaknesses under the McDermott era was the lack of a running game, which meant that extra pressure went onto Josh Allen to get involved with the run game. Going into next season, the Bills need to build off this season and keep establishing the run. With Cook still having two years left on his rookie deal, this is a great opportunity for Cook to put himself in the conversation as one of the best backs in football.