Bills' Sean McDermott jokes about 'conversation' with award-winning RB James Cook

As Bills Mafia has learned throughout his career, James Cook is a running back with many moves but a man of few words. During last offseason, for example, we were reminded about his no-nonsense approach.

On why the Buffalo Bills' running back wasn't practicing during a contract holdout at training camp: "Business."

On why he attended minicamp to avoid being fined: "I like my money."

MORE: Career day for James Cook against Panthers unsurprisingly leads to weekly NFL award

In a back-to-basics gameplan against the Carolina Panthers, Cook not surprisingly excelled. He ran for 216 yards and two touchdowns, propelling the Bills to a crucial blowout win. His rushing total was the sixth-most in the franchise's 66-year history and highest since O.J. Simpson set the all-time record in 1976.

MORE: Bills' Josh Allen reveals surprising pre-game music playlist entering Chiefs showdown

In the least surprisingly award of the week, Cook was named AFC Offensively Player of the Week. Bills' head coach Sean McDermott broke the news to the running back before Wednesday's practice, and joked about the exchange.

"It was a good conversation," McDermott said with tongue firmly planted in cheek. "I'm saying that sarcastically. You know James, he loves ball. We don't need to share a lot of words. But I do appreciate how our relationship has grown over the years. He was locked and loaded last week."

After the win over the Panthers, Cook - who won the award for the third time in his career - was characteristically unfazed by his performance.

MORE: Bills disrespected in new power rankings ahead of showdown vs. Chiefs

“I want to thank my O-line," he said. "Without them, I can’t even run.”

In Sunday's showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills will again need Cook's running to control the clock and keep the ball away from long-time nemesis Patrick Mahomes. The Bills could have an advantage in the running game if Chiefs' starting running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) is unable to play.

— Sign up for OnSI’s Free Buffalo Bills Newsletter —

More Buffalo Bills News:

Unforgiving Bills' defense rattles former folk hero in Week 8 win

How Sean McDermott's Panthers pipeline molded Bills into dominant force

Bills' last trip to play Panthers gave heartbreak in Sean McDermott's first road game

Buffalo Bills' Top 3 trade targets with deadline approaching

After Atlanta, only Super Bowl LX site remains on Josh Allen's bucket list