RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesBills running back James Cook led the league in rushing last season with 1,621 yards. It came after a hold-in during training camp as he sought a new contract that he received after more than a week of not practicing.
Last year, though, was last year.
“I don’t like to talk about last year, because last year is in the past . This year is a new year,” Cook said, via John Wawrow of the Associated Press. “Put last year behind me, and just come out here to do it again.”
Only two players since 2001 have won back-to-back rushing titles — Derrick Henry (2019-20) and LaDainian Tomlinson (2006-07).
“I expect James Cook to take another step this year in different elements of his game and continue to be the workhorse as a runner,” new coach Joe Brady said. “And he wants it, right? He had such an incredible season last year. And without diving into exactly what, this is what I told him: He has got to get better. We can’t take steps backward.”
Cook, 26, said he is "looking forward to doing even bigger things."
He concedes his ball security has got to improve after losing four of seven fumbles last season, including one at the Denver 30 in a 33-30 overtime loss in the divisional round.
“I fumbled, so I just got to fix it,” Cook said. “The ball is everybody’s job, and that’s my job. I’m willing to protect it.”
The Bills are only 5-4 in the postseason in Cook's four seasons, losing in the divisional round three times and the AFC Championship Game once. They are the first team in NFL history to win a playoff game in six consecutive postseasons without reaching a Super Bowl.
“It’s on us. The ball is in our hands,” Cook said. “We control our own destiny. So whatever we do is on us. Eventually, it’s going to happen.”
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