The Buffalo Bills steamrolled the New York Jets 30-10 thanks in large part to the running back James Cook’s individual efforts. Cook was dynamic, proving to be too much to handle inside or outside the hashes, and far too fast for anyone left in his wake.
His 44-yard touchdown run will likely be one of the league’s biggest highlights of Week 2, a true “chef’s kiss” moment among the 21 carries for 132 yards and pair of touchdowns Cook tallied in New Jersey. But it was his last carry that could reverberate louder than necessary in the days ahead.
Cook’s last carry was a fumble, fortunately recovered by the offense down close to the end zone. It was a fantastic defensive play but, ultimately, not a truly negative play for Buffalo. There’s no knowing if Cook would have scored there, nor if the Jets would have figured things out on offense to take the football almost the entire length of the field for meaning points.
Despite that, Cook’s latest fumble brings with it the ominous feeling of déjà vu, and moments early in Cook’s career where turning the ball over meant an extended trip to the bench. We’re unlikely to find out if Cook was taken out of the game due to game plan or for discipline. For now, we only know that Cook didn’t see another carry after the fumble. We also know that Allen was still playing quarterback after Cook hit the sideline.
McDermott’s fumble doghouse may be alive and well. If true, it’s at best ridiculous. At worst, it’s much worse than mind-boggling. Cook is the second most-important player on offense outside of Josh Allen. Sure, I’d listen to the entire offensive line being all over any discussion that includes Allen and Cook. But the point is that Cook gives the Bills their best chance to win when he’s on the field.
Protecting Cook from physical wear and tear is wise, and important with a short turnaround that requires the Bills to face the Miami Dolphins on Thursday evening. If Cook hit the sideline due to fumbling, it’s time to begin asking important questions. The last thing Buffalo needs is to be without a healthy Cook in a huge game because McDermott believes benching him is the way rectify the moment.
James Cook received a lucrative contract extension for a reason. McDermott limiting his potential, benching him now or in the future due to fumbles, should never be part of the equation. For now, it’s best to believe Cook was being spared from unnecessary contact. One should hope it’s also true.
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