Buffalo Rumblinks, 10/17: Why aren’t the Bills using James Cook more?

SB Nation

Among the litany of complaints fans of the Buffalo Bills had after their team’s 24-14 setback versus the Atlanta Falcons was the puzzling usage of Pro Bowl running back James Cook. Or rather, how it seemed

offensive coordinator Joe Brady forgot all about his talented running back when dialing up plays in Atlanta.

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by exploring why Buffalo hasn’t been cooking up as many plays with James Cook and makes the case that the Bills need to get their running back more involved coming out of their bye week.

The Bills should rely more on RB James Cook

Running back James Cook finished with 87 rushing yards, but as the game wore on, Cook found himself on the sidelines more and more in critical situations. And each snap Josh Allen took without Cook, Buffalo’s offense didn’t seem nearly as effective as when the Pro Bowler was alongside Allen. Which makes sense, considering how Cook has been the team’s best offensive weapon through its first six games.

Against the Falcons, with a struggling offense searching for answers, we make the case that Cook deserved more touches, especially after Atlanta’s defensive line was pushing around Buffalo’s offensive line. Why not keep Cook on the field on obvious passing downs and try to utilize his skills as a pass catcher out of the backfield? Or, like the Falcons did with Bijan Robinson, their dynamic back, what’s the harm in putting Cook in motion pre-snap and see if he can find a winnable matchup downfield?

Even more Bills news

Learn how rookie defensive tackle Deone Walker is off to an impressive start to his NFL career; plus, offensive coordinator Joe Brady is drawing interest from teams with head coaching vacancies; head coach Sean McDermott and Brady disagree on whether Buffalo’s offense is getting “too cute;” making the case for special teams star Steve Tasker to finally earn enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame; and more!