The Buffalo Bills have had a balanced rushing attack in recent weeks which has helped their offense roll.
Going hand-in-hand with that is an increased usage of rookie second-round pick James Cook. The first-year pro had an outing of 86 yards against the Cleveland Browns then another strong one just last week against the New England Patriots which featured 105 all-purpose yards.
However, these games were not back-to-back. One week, Cook would play promising but then Devin Singletary might get more carries the following game.
Because of that, Cook acknowledged he would love more playing time consistently. Regardless if that comes or not, he plans to simply take advantage of any chance he gets.
“Felt good, and every time my number’s called I just try to make a play for my team,” the understated Cook said via the Rochester D&C. “I hope [playing time will increase], but if it don’t, every opportunity I get I’m gonna just keep making it better and taking advantage of it.”
While the alternating between Cook and Singletary has been pretty clear, that hasn’t exactly been anything done purposely. That’s what Buffalo offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey wants us to believe.
But Dorsey did acknowledge he’s seen improvement in Cook.
“I think just every week you see him continually get more and more comfortable,” Dorsey said via video conference. “He’s been able to do a lot of different things for us that complete backs need to do in this league. He’s continued to grow if you just kind of see that as the year goes on.”
Looking ahead to Week 14 against the New York Jets (7-5), the Bills (9-3) would be smart to utilize their rushing attack one way or another–Or at least better.
In Buffalo’s 20-17 loss to New York earlier this year, Cook and Singletary combined for only 39 rushing yards.
The Jets put a lot of pressure on quarterback Josh Allen and forced him into mistakes. While there’s plenty of reason to trust the Bills QB, it still would be profitable to have a balanced attack against a top-five defense.