Worried about Cook……is it too early?

[Victory Formation]

21 minutes ago, Billz4ever said:

You tell me considering other players and the coaching staff have been singing his praises since training camp.

 

Now you provide any evidence at all that shows he's been underperforming in practice.  That's nothing but pure speculation.

Players sing praise to sing praise, if not they may be out of a team soon.

 

I have a feeling that Cook is an elite talent, but he has a bad work ethic and he’s not a grinder, that’s my guess. 
 

According to you though, he’s lighting it up in practice, why isn’t he playing, monsieur? Tell me.

[Bob in STL]

3 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

When there are other, more impactful positions you ALWAYS go that direction…. ***** Duke Johnson would absolutely give us what Moss/Cook are giving us and more… 

Duke was picked very close to these two.   Duke was a 3rd round pick at 77 overall, Moss 3rd round 86th overall, Cook was 2 round and 63 overall. 

[Bangarang]

20 minutes ago, Aurelius said:

Or he isn’t getting snaps because the Bills played the Superbow champ Rams, the tied for #1 dolphins and a surging Baltimore team in a tough early schedule.  He played in our blowout and played well.  I think he will get more consistent opportunities moving forward. Maybe even Pittsburgh this week if we come out stronger than we have last 2 games.  

He played well in garbage time against backups. 
 

He continues to be unimpressive with the limited snaps he gets in times that matter. 
 

Beane’s history of using 2nd round picks on guys that don’t really help this team is something you can set your watch to. 

[Straight Hucklebuck]

I don’t understand why they can’t bench Moss and just give Cook those 2-3 breather touches.

 

I mean I am rooting for Cook, but he hasn’t made it easy. Dropped one against the Dolphins, and again today.

 

 

 

[Buffalo Boy]

8 hours ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

Everyone need to understand Cook was a home run swing because the bench is loaded.

 

he might be a miss. And they still have a great roster 

Not at running back. They have a decent running back...... and Moss

[GunnerBill]

4 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

To quote @GunnerBill from earlier today...........RB's are the least important player on the field.    In non-special teams situations......truth.   It's the only position teams might draft early with no intent on giving them a second contract if they pan out.   And that being said.........when they are drafted early they have very little runway to get off the ground before they are seen as disappointing.   Getting exercised about that is futile.  

 

That quote was from a few days ago but I did joke in the game day thread yesterday that the next time Beane spends a day 2 pick on a flubbing running back I'd fire him on the spot. I just watched Isaiah Pacheco a 7th rounder run for over 5 yards a pop for Kansas City behind an offensive line where they traded a 1st for a left tackle, signed a guard to a big FA deal and drafted a stud center on day 2. 

 

Improve your blocking and any half decent fast guy can look good behind there. 

[Scott7975]

7 hours ago, FireChans said:

Because Moss, who also sucks, doesn’t put the ball on the dirt like Singletary. 

 

This year Singletary has 1 fumble on 34 attempts.  Moss has 1 fumble on 16 attempts.

[Scott7975]

7 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

How do you know if McDermott and company are giving Cook "a fair shake"..........are you at practice and seeing if he is doing his job?

 

The mother hen fans are ridiculous..........it's OK that he needs to earn playing time in small sample sizes.

 

 

 

And occasionally some players don't have the cognitive function to ever learn..........see CJ Spiller.

 

Im more curious why they keep him active if he isnt going to play.  Is it just in hopes that the Bills get a blowout and he can get some experience in garbage time?  Hearing things that he is distant and doesnt really make an effort doesnt really seem like the type of player McD would keep active.

[ArtVandalay]

6 hours ago, Billz4ever said:

And I'm not writing him off and calling him a bust because of a fumble and a dropped pass.

Cook's drop pass was one of many today.  Some had more than one and still got other opportunities to make up for it.  Cook had 1 target and somehow people are actually claiming he's a bust because of a fumble in game 1 and a dropped ball in game 4.

 

Unbelievable 

No where am i remotely eluding to him being a bust. 

 

Only said in his limited opps he has had mental errors and that hopefully he comes around soon because we need his dynamic ability.

 

He's a rookie,  it's been 4 games. My target for him has consistently been post-bye.

[Rock-A-Bye Beasley]

I think the idea of him not smiling on draft day is overblown at the very least. I think he doesn't have the insane mentality needed to overtake other insane athletes. I hope i'm wrong

[Straight Hucklebuck]

10 hours ago, Buffalo716 said:

There Is absolutely a learning curve to being an NFL running back

 

Learning protections is one of the hardest things to do in football… All the nuances 

 

If you can’t protect the quarterback you’re not getting on the field 

 

That is the biggest learning curve for all young running backs

That’s the excuse Chan always used as to why we wasted CJ Spillers first two years. 

[Joe Ferguson forever]

7 hours ago, Billz4ever said:

You tell me considering other players and the coaching staff have been singing his praises since training camp.

 

Now you provide any evidence at all that shows he's been underperforming in practice.  That's nothing but pure speculation.

the evidence is that he's not playing.  football players and coaches always speak the truth?  might it be that Miller and co r trying to give the rook a boost cuz he's struggling?

2 hours ago, Scott7975 said:

 

Im more curious why they keep him active if he isnt going to play.  Is it just in hopes that the Bills get a blowout and he can get some experience in garbage time?  Hearing things that he is distant and doesnt really make an effort doesnt really seem like the type of player McD would keep active.

because they  have invested a lot in him.  kinda like holding onto a falling knife equity.

[Estro]

I dont think it's too early to be concerned with Cook's ineffectiveness. 

 

He's looked pretty bad & based on useage it appears the coaching staff doesn't want him out there.  

[BillMafia716ix]

Cook just not ready yet. Singletary is better and should be getting the majority of the touches anyways. Cooks time will come 

[Rock-A-Bye Beasley]

I knew Ford was trash when he let Watt and then Donald free shots on Allen. I knew Zay was trash when his naked blood video came out. I have the same feeling about cook. Hope I’m wrong. (And beane 2nd round picks aren’t cursed;))

Edited October 3, 2022 by Rock-A-Bye Beasley

[HomeTeam]

3 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

That quote was from a few days ago but I did joke in the game day thread yesterday that the next time Beane spends a day 2 pick on a flubbing running back I'd fire him on the spot. I just watched Isaiah Pacheco a 7th rounder run for over 5 yards a pop for Kansas City behind an offensive line where they traded a 1st for a left tackle, signed a guard to a big FA deal and drafted a stud center on day 2. 

 

Improve your blocking and any half decent fast guy can look good behind there. 

It's upsetting how quickly/ easily KC revamped their offensive line.

 

We've been struggling to get out oline right since McDermott got here. I'm hoping our oline will get it together as the season progresses. 

[Bill from NYC]

7 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

  Remember the ham-handed former Bills TE Robert Royal?   When teams realized he couldn't catch a pass to save his life they literally stopped covering him.   That's McKenzie 25-30 yards upfield........a non-threat.

Wow, old memories. Once in Lot 1/Pole5  I mentioned to you that Royal was good at getting open. You then told me that teams stopped covering him and I didn't believe you, only because I didn't think that was possible.

Well, I had seats in the upper deck but front row at midfield. Royal was not covered at all. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and when a pass was thrown to him he dropped it.

Was there ever another receiver that teams could just totally ignore like this? 

[UConn James]

It may just be my eyes, but Cook has just looked SLOW when he’s gotten the ball (mostly in the garbage time vs TENN). This is both in hesitation and in how fast he’s running out there. SLOOOW.

[LEBills]

Cook has made plenty of mistakes so far - fumble on first carry, 15 yard penalty when he pass protected (he went low and a lineman went high), and the drop yesterday.

 

However, he is a rookie so mistakes are to be expected, and he is a weapon we are going to need down the stretch. As good as Motor has been, getting Cook 5 receptions a game is probably going to be more productive than Motor because - at least in college - he can run routes further down the field as well as the shorter screen passes and dump offs Motor gets. And you can do this without even taking Motor off the field.

 

With Gabe hobbled, McKenzie likely going through protocol, and Crowder in a boot; we need more production from our offensive players we have sunk a good amount of resources into: Knox and Cook. Now is the time to get them involved and let them keep playing even if they make mistakes.

[zow2]

11 hours ago, TailgateChef said:

Wow that speaks volumes.  I will try to make it early into the stadium next week and keep an eye on him during warm ups.

 

I don't wanna kill the guy.    When the entire RB group and QB's came out for their structured warm-ups, Cook participated like everyone else.  It was just his body language and not looking all that interested when he was out with McKenzie.  He has that demeanor of a chill guy that goes through the motions.  But, maybe behind the scenes he lives and breathes football, i don't know.

[Billz4ever]

1 hour ago, redtail hawk said:

the evidence is that he's not playing.  football players and coaches always speak the truth?  might it be that Miller and co r trying to give the rook a boost cuz he's struggling?

because they  have invested a lot in him.  kinda like holding onto a falling knife equity.

So, you're chalking up his very scare playing time to him underperforming in practice and you know this how?  Do you have some insider knowledge the rest of us don't have?  And considering our other backs are getting playing time, but aren't producing a whole heck of a lot, your logic makes no sense.  

[oldmanfan]

He’s pressing.  

[Bob in STL]

7 hours ago, Straight Hucklebuck said:

I don’t understand why they can’t bench Moss and just give Cook those 2-3 breather touches.

 

I mean I am rooting for Cook, but he hasn’t made it easy. Dropped one against the Dolphins, and again today.

 

 

 

Because Moss can block in pass protection.  

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

1 minute ago, Bob in STL said:

Because Moss can block in pass protection.  

 

Moss played 6 snaps.  And Cook played 2.  

[JMM]

56 minutes ago, UConn James said:

It may just be my eyes, but Cook has just looked SLOW when he’s gotten the ball (mostly in the garbage time vs TENN). This is both in hesitation and in how fast he’s running out there. SLOOOW.

I think you're right and wrong here. He is not confident yet, and so he has been hesitant and does indeed look slow. However he is NOT slow,  and his running style is that of a glider type.  I firmly believe that he is going to come around and be a key weapon for his team later this year.

[TFBillsfan]

I forgot to add while it’s too early to evaluate Cook, the Chiefs absolutely nailed their 7th round pick with Isaih Pachecho RB Rutgers. When Cook does get more chances he needs to start having an impact. 

[Aesop]

4 minutes ago, TFBillsfan said:

I forgot to add while it’s too early to evaluate Cook, the Chiefs absolutely nailed their 7th round pick with Isaih Pachecho RB Rutgers. When Cook does get more chances he needs to start having an impact. 

Agreed 100%. I'd love to see Cook get 7-10 opportunities per game. With his ability in open space its just a matter of time before he breaks one. 

[HOUSE]

I was up all night

[JohnnyBuffalo]

This one is tough because you’d think he would try and make the most of his opportunities and he’s not.   If I recall correctly the big upside on him was his ability in the passing game and to drop that one that was perfectly placed was really bad.   He’s probably in a bad head space and to use a hockey term “gripping it to tightly”.    Gotta play loose my man!

 

Go Bills!

[Dopey]

1 hour ago, zow2 said:

 

I don't wanna kill the guy.    When the entire RB group and QB's came out for their structured warm-ups, Cook participated like everyone else.  It was just his body language and not looking all that interested when he was out with McKenzie.  He has that demeanor of a chill guy that goes through the motions.  But, maybe behind the scenes he lives and breathes football, i don't know.

He is a chill guy. The same things were said about his brother Dalvin when he played here at FSU. James is going to be a good one. Some here still want every pick to kick ass from the get go. From Oliver to Groot, to Basham, to Epenesa. Players that are drafted are usually good players. College good. It takes time. Time that some here apparently don't have.

Edited October 3, 2022 by Dopey

[newcam2012]

21 minutes ago, TFBillsfan said:

I forgot to add while it’s too early to evaluate Cook, the Chiefs absolutely nailed their 7th round pick with Isaih Pachecho RB Rutgers. When Cook does get more chances he needs to start having an impact. 

Pacheco sure looks fast and dynamic in that offense. The Chiefs offense looked scary good against the vaunted Bucs defense. They were very balanced, great play calling, and Mahomes was well Mahomes. The Bills defense will be tested. The Chiefs defense looked very beatable. 

[Heavy Kevi]

It is too early, but I am concerned. I thought Cook would "hit the ground running", but the truth is he looks nearvous out there.

 

I think he'll settle down and be ok. But I'm not expecting big numbers this year anymore. I really thought he would be a big part of the plan, but he has not looked the part yet.

[blitzboy54]

My only concern is McD being a meathead about using him. Lets go

[Joe Ferguson forever]

1 hour ago, Billz4ever said:

So, you're chalking up his very scare playing time to him underperforming in practice and you know this how?  Do you have some insider knowledge the rest of us don't have?  And considering our other backs are getting playing time, but aren't producing a whole heck of a lot, your logic makes no sense.  

logic: premise- Bills rushing has not been very good

premise: Cook is on the roster as rb

premise:  Cook has seen limited playing time and is not injured

Conclusion:  Coaches don't think Cook will help them win more games

[Billz4ever]

8 minutes ago, redtail hawk said:

logic: premise- Bills rushing has not been very good

premise: Cook is on the roster as rb

premise:  Cook has seen limited playing time and is not injured

Conclusion:  Coaches don't think Cook will help them win more games

That's not logic, that's speculation.  You're attempting to draw a conclusion based on information you aren't privy to.

 

And again, our other RBs aren't doing much either, so the same flawed thought process can be applied there just as easy.  Neither Moss or Motor are injured, have gotten most of the playing time and aren't producing much of anything.  The only difference is the two guys that have been here longer get to play and not produce instead of being the new guy, not play, and not produce.

Edited October 3, 2022 by Billz4ever

[Joe Ferguson forever]

3 minutes ago, Billz4ever said:

That's not logic, that's speculation.  You're attempting to draw a conclusion based on information you aren't privy to.

 

And again, our other RBs aren't doing much either, so the same flawed thought process can be applied there just as easy.  Neither Moss or Motor are injured, have gotten most of the playing time and aren't producing much of anything.  The only difference is the two guys that have been here longer get to play and not produce instead of not play and not produce.

yeah...i skipped a couple of premises cuz they seemed obvious:  1.Bills want to win every game 2. Coaches make personnel/playing time decisions on who gives them the best chance to win

[Logic]

I'm more concerned with the coaching staff's apparent complete lack of plan for his usage than I am for him as a player.

For all the talk of wanting to acquire a pass-catching threat at running back, they sure don't seem to be designing any plays for him or putting any special effort into getting him involved in the passing game.

He seems to just be subbed in for the other running backs at random times and expected to run the same exact plays. I figured they'd have a few bubble screens, Texas routes, go routes on the outside against linebackers....SOMETHING!

Their lack of plan for him reminds me of when we drafted CJ Spiller and then let him sit in the garage and collect dust like a divorced man's Ferrari.

 

To start with, I'd love to see the Moss experiment end -- and yes, I was one of his biggest supporters and biggest believers that he'd have a great year, and yes I'm ready to take the L. Singletary should be the unquestioned starter and Cook should be the change of pace, third down, and primary receiving back. If they want a third back active on gamedays, let it be Duke Johnson.

[Billz4ever]

6 minutes ago, redtail hawk said:

yeah...i skipped a couple of premises cuz they seemed obvious:  1.Bills want to win every game 2. Coaches make personnel/playing time decisions on who gives them the best chance to win

Or it's McD not being able to manage RBs, like we've known for years.

 

See, I can speculate too.

1 minute ago, Logic said:

I'm more concerned with the coaching staff's apparent complete lack of plan for his usage than I am for him as a player.

For all the talk of wanting to acquire a pass-catching threat at running back, they sure don't seem to be designing any plays for him or putting any special effort into getting him involved in the passing game.

He seems to just be subbed in for the other running backs at random times and expected to run the same exact plays. I figured they'd have a few bubble screens, Texas routes, go routes on the outside against linebackers....SOMETHING!

Their lack of plan for him reminds me of when we drafted CJ Spiller and then let him sit in the garage and collect dust like a divorced man's Ferrari.

 

To start with, I'd love to see the Moss experiment end -- and yes, I was one of his biggest supporters and biggest believers that he'd have a great year, and yes I'm ready to take the L. Singletary should be the unquestioned starter and Cook should be the change of pace, third down, and primary receiving back. If they want a third back active on gamedays, let it be Duke Johnson.

Yep, makes zero sense.  Dude was drafted as a dual threat like Kamara and they refuse even to try to use him that capacity.

[Joe Ferguson forever]

3 minutes ago, Billz4ever said:

Or it's McD not being able to manage RBs, like we've known for years.

 

See, I can speculate too.

Yep, makes zero sense.  Dude was drafted as a dual threat like Kamara and they refuse even to try to use him that capacity.

last try:  your alternative doesn't change my conclusion. Even IF McD is making a mistake, he still clearly doesn't see much value in playing Cook much...

[Billz4ever]

6 minutes ago, redtail hawk said:

last try:  your alternative doesn't change my conclusion. Even IF McD is making a mistake, he still clearly doesn't see much value in playing Cook much...

And McD has never been a good offensive coach or good evaluator of offensive talent.

 

And AGAIN, given our other backs aren't doing much of anything, I'd love to hear him explain that thought process.