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9 hours ago
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The Buffalo Bills finally remembered they have a Ferrari in their garage. It took them eight weeks to figure it out, but better late than never.
James Cook had a career day in Week 8, rushing for 216 yards, the sixth most in a single game for a Bills running back ever, and two touchdowns. While the Bills' passing game continues to struggle, giving the ball to Cook more often needs to become more of a focal point, because good things happen when you let James Cook.
James Cook makes the Bills efficient
While having the reining MVP Josh Allen under center raises both the floor and ceiling of the Bills' offense, so, too, does Cook. Per SumerBrain, the Bills have an EPA per play of 0.243. When Cook is off the field, that number dips to 0.042. Additionally, Cook is incredibly efficient with the ball in his hands, totaling an EPA per touch of 0.195. To compare that to the Bills' binky, Ray Davis, who they can't seem to quit for whatever reason, he has an EPA per touch of -0.209 - stop giving him the ball. Keep feeding Cook and reap the rewards.
James Cook makes Josh Allen better
Not only is Cook efficient, he makes those around him better. Josh Allen is incredible, but he can't do everything himself. When Cook has 15 or more touches, Allen has an EPA of 0.347. When Cook has fewer than 15 touches, Allen's EPA per play drops to 0.295. Both are great, obviously, but Allen goes to another stratosphere when Cook is heavily involved in the offense.
Cook is one of the best running backs in the league, which is why the Bills paid him. They should continue to make that engine roar instead of letting him collect dust.
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