Bills Coach Questions Running Back Usage After Loss to Falcons

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills’ running back James Cook became a focal point of discussion following the team’s 24-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. Cook rushed 17 times for 87 yards, but his playing time raised eyebrows among the coaching staff.

Cook participated in only 30 of the team’s 57 offensive snaps, marking his second-lowest snap percentage of the season. His lowest percentage occurred in a previous blowout win over the New York Jets. Head coach Sean McDermott addressed the situation on Tuesday, confirming he had spoken with offensive coordinator Joe Brady about Cook’s usage.

“Joe and I have already talked about that to some extent today. It’s important to,” McDermott stated. The coach emphasized the need for effective execution regardless of the play calls.

Interestingly, Cook did not appear on the field for any of the Bills’ third-down plays, including a critical third-and-one situation that ended in failure for the Bills when a play to wide receiver Elijah Moore did not succeed. McDermott expressed confidence in Brady’s play-calling but added, “Whatever we call, we have to execute it at a higher level.”

Fans and analysts are now left wondering if the coaching staff will adjust Cook’s role when the Bills return from their Week 7 bye.