Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was one of the most talked about players on the team last year, some good and some bad. As a runner, Cook was unstoppable for a good chunk of the season, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. However, as a pass catcher, Cook made a lot of Bills fans upset after dropping six passes. That begs the question, what does James Cook need to do differently in 2024 to have an even better season?
Cook finished last year with 1,122 rushing yards, two touchdowns to go along with 445 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He was a great player that Josh Allen and the offense could rely on, but the third-year back still has room for improvement in some areas. While he still caught 44 out of 54 targets, the six drops are telling with where he still needs improvement.
Cook became a liability in the passing game, with Josh Allen trusting him to make plays in the red zone and Cook being unable to make the play. Of course, it was only year two, and year one of being a starter, but it is telling with where he’s at in his development. The Bills made the running back position a focal point of their off-season, adding two big-time names through the draft and afterward.
James Cook has the tangibles to be an excellent back in this league. From the passing game to the run game, Cook can be a three-down back for the Bills and be trusted in the red zone, but only if he can improve his hands. Cook showed glimpses of what the future holds for himself, now he needs to become consistent before he reaches his true potential.
The Bills knew what they were drafting when they took Cook in the second round in 2022, and just like any other young player on this roster, they’ve been patient with him. Year two was the first year he was the main running back towards the end of the season when he was starting to find his groove with a new offensive coordinator calling plays. Year three with another season as a full-time starter should help not only just his confidence but his production on the field. Cook has the trust of not only the players around him but the coaching staff as well. A new season with a new offensive coordinator that has the player’s trust should help bring out the best of Cook.
So, we talked about what Cook needs to do differently in 2024, but let's sum it up. Cook’s pass-catching needs to be the focal point of what he and his trainers work on this summer. Allen needs a pass catcher out of the backfield that he can trust after the losses the team faced at wide receiver. If James Cook can become that guy in 2024, the sky's the limit for him as a player.