The Buffalo Bills deployed James Cook less frequently on third downs during the 2024 season than the running back expected, but Cook aims to increase his involvement in 2025. While he played on 48% of the team’s snaps last year, the coaching staff often favored Ty Johnson for third-down situations, alongside touches distributed to Ray Davis, who has shown promising ability in passing scenarios.
Joe Brady Explains the Bills’ Approach to Running Back Usage
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady addressed Cook’s limited third-down snaps during a recent discussion, emphasizing the depth and versatility of the Bills’ running back group. Brady described the room as composed of talented players with overlapping skills who can contribute in both the running and passing games.
“It’s a unique process because we have such a talented running back room with similar skill sets, but also guys that can both play in the run game and the pass game,”
Brady said.
And that’s what has been so cool. We don’t have a room that ‘hey, this guy can only run these runs, this guy can only do protection, this guy can only run routes.’ And so that allows us to be able to kind of do different things with them.
Regarding Cook’s reduced snaps on third down, Brady clarified that it was not related to Cook’s capability in pass protection or route running.
“A guy like James Cook not playing on third down last year doesn’t have anything to do with his ability in the pass game or him not being able to handle the protections,”
he explained.
Some of that is, well, we have these guys up, Ty did a great job on it, why take a couple more blows in protection when Ty can kind of handle it.
Cook’s Perspective on His Third-Down Role and Team Contribution
Cook has publicly expressed his desire to see more involvement on third downs, making it clear that contributing in that capacity is a priority for his role on the team.
“Get more involved in the pass game, instead of the run game,”
Cook said.
Just being out there on third downs, that’s my job. That’s what I’m trying to do. And whatever I can do to help the team win games and contribute, I’m willing to do it.
Brady also noted Cook’s enthusiasm to take on various responsibilities, including running the ball in the red zone and playing on third down.
“He wants to be on third down, he wants to be running the ball inside the red zone, he wants to do whatever he’s got to do and we’ve just been fortunate with the type of guys we have in that room that we can play them all on third down, we can play them all on first down,”
Brady concluded.
Performance Metrics and Contract Situation
While Cook’s pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus was 59.5 last season, which was modest, it nonetheless surpassed those of Ray Davis (23.1) and Ty Johnson (31.9). However, Cook has faced challenges with catching passes, registering a 10 percent drop rate over the last two years, as noted by AtoZ Sports analyst Kyle Crabbs.
Cook is currently involved in a contract negotiation with the Bills but has maintained participation in training camp practices without holding out. To maximize his value in upcoming contract discussions, Cook needs to demonstrate he can be a dependable three-down back, an element he has yet to fully establish through his first three NFL seasons.
Additional Updates from the Buffalo Bills
- A five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher is in excellent condition and primed to make an impact this season.
- The Bills re-signed a former Mississippi State wide receiver shortly after waiving him earlier.
- Buffalo made a roster move by cutting ties with a rookie to accommodate bringing back a veteran wide receiver.
- Quarterback Josh Allen arrived at training camp in sharp fashion, maintaining his respected “suave” image.
- ‘Hard Knocks’ announced its 2025 airing schedule, highlighting episodes focused on Josh Allen and the Bills.