Bills Central

Bills' RB James Cook has veiled criticism of AFC Championship gameplan

The Buffalo Bills have lost four straight playoff games to Kansas City, including this years' AFC championship game. James Cook thinks he knows how to change their fortunes.
Brian Letscher|
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) reacts in the closing minutes of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game.
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) reacts in the closing minutes of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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The Buffalo Bills' offense had an historic season in 2024, setting franchise records for points scored (525) and touchdowns (65), but it ended in disappointing fashion in the AFC Championship Game.

Losing to the Kansas City Chiefs for the fourth straight time in the playoffs, Buffalo offensive coordinator Joe Brady took some criticism for being too conservative in his play calling.

Therefore, it doesn't come as a surprise when Bills' running back James Cook has an opinion on the topic. Appeared on the NightCap podcast last Thursday evening, Cook was asked about it by Hall-of-Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe.

"What do [the Bills] need to do in order to get over that hump which is Patrick Mahomes in the AFC?" said Sharpe.

"We just gotta be aggressive." Cook fired back, "...when you come into games like that and your back [is] against the wall, you just gotta win...you know you're playing #15 (Mahomes), you know it's gonna [be tough]..."

Sharpe followed up, "So you would like to be more aggressive early on? You feel like when you guys fell behind, then you got aggressive -- you'd like to see that from the jump?" Cook again did not hesitate, "Of course. Let's go, off the rip."

Later in the conversation, Cook also touched on his usage in relation to his evolution and the Bills winning big games, "[I need] to be on the field every down. Keep me on the field and great things will happen."

Cook is not wrong there, as last season's Pro Bowl production proved. But before OC Joe Brady can address Cook's on-field offensive philosophy concerns, general manager Brandon Beane must address the question of extending his rookie deal, a subject on which Cook has been very aggressive -- off the rip.

James Cook
Jan 5, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown. | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

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Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

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