The comments follow a tense 37-34 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, a game in which Cook fumbled twice, losing possession on one of those occasions. These errors have become a growing concern for the Bills, as Cook has now recorded four fumbles this season and a total of 11 since the start of 2025, the highest tally for any non-quarterback in the NFL during that period.
Addressing the impact of ball security
Despite his struggles with ball security, Cook remains a highly productive asset for Buffalo. He currently leads the league in rushing yards over the same timeframe, sitting 245 yards ahead of the next closest player. Brady expressed a desire to balance this high-level production with the necessity of protecting the football, noting that the team cannot afford to overlook the negative impact of turnovers.
The most critical moment occurred just two minutes into overtime against the Rams, when Cook fumbled near the red zone. The turnover nearly handed the game to Los Angeles, but the Bills were saved by a crucial blocked field goal from edge defender Greg Rousseau. Brady admitted that while he maintains confidence in his running back, the reality of the situation is that these mistakes risk costing the team games.
Strategic adjustments and future accountability
Brady highlighted that the team’s recent win should not mask the severity of the issue. He confirmed that if the fumbling continues, the coaching staff will have to implement consequences, specifically by decreasing Cook's carries. The offensive coordinator also reflected on his play-calling during the final stages of the game, acknowledging that he opted to move away from using Cook in the closing moments to avoid further risk.
Reflecting on the final drive, Brady noted that he chose not to rely on his running back to drain the clock, suggesting that in hindsight, he should have opted for quarterback kneel-downs. Moving forward, the message from the coaching staff is clear: Cook carries the responsibility of the entire organization when he has the ball in his hands, and that security must improve to ensure he remains the primary option in the backfield.
