Mister Defense

Yup, and Allen is not going to let him get away. He understands how important a dynamic running game and back are to his team's--and his own--success. Any more than Aikman would have let them get rid of Emmett Smith, Kelly letting the Bills jettison Thomas, Montana doing the same with Craig, Warner with Faulk, Staubach with Dorsett, Bradshaw with Franco Harris... Behind almost every great quarterback, and team, is a dynamic duo of running back and quarterback. Josh Allen is smart, knows these things. Like almost any football fan worth his or her salt does.

Sums it up very well. People can gripe all they want about running backs not being valuable, but not once on here, and with slew of criticism and hate for Cook on this forum, has anyone given a clear, makes sense reason as to why this is the case. It is just the way it is supposed to be, they think. But Cook, and most running backs going forward, know their real worth to teams and are going to start being payed accordingly. And James Cook's new contract will be an important part of that progression. He is doing something very significant for himself, but also for all of the good/great/elite running backs to follow. This new contract will soon be considered a bargain, one of Beane's (yes forced) best moves in his tenure with the Bills.

Good point, hope that you are right! Beane knows, despite so many saying the Bills have all the cards, that this reflects badly on him and the Bills, the great culture they have established--and tout. Hard Knocks just adds the mix, makes it even more likely this is done--and now!

And also, when you are in a group of players, running backs, that have become the most underpaid in the league, makes little sense to give another discount. I think Beane gets it, cannot let this hang over the Bills in this very promising season, especially considering it is one of the most vital players in the entire roster, and Josh Allen's best friend on the field. He helped lead the Bills to the most balanced scoring offense in the history of the NFL. I keep missing the mark, but a deal today or tomorrow, and likely already done, or cannot imagine Cook out there, risking everything he has worked so hard for in his life.

Yup, I cannot wait for this to happen! 12, 13, 15 million for three years, and with some generous incentives and a lot of it guaranteed-? In the NFL.com article McDermott said that things have changed. Now may be wishful thinking on my part, to believe he means a new contract is coming soon, but I don't think so: "I would say so that things have changed," McDermott added. "And yes, we have had conversations with James. Good conversations, as I've mentioned before." Either way, great to see our most dynamic offensive weapon practicing today, less than a month before the regular season. But, new contract today, please!

Wow, way to jump the gun, after one preseason game! Nothing like these nonsensical threads since the end of last season, where the glass is not just half empty, but almost completely empty, dry. Now, it's like they're gearing up for another 13, 14 win season, trying to get an ultra negative foundation established, as everyone (almost) will soon begin to say how unbeatable this Bills' team is. That will freak them out, as usual, so they need to establish a base of ultra negativity before the new season even begins. And then just keep going with it... The OPS should be embarrassed by how ridiculous and immature these are.

After reading this post I am thinking--did someone write the ELO song Mr. Blue Sky about him? What a great feeling it must be to have such a positive, upbeat attitude about our high quality team as they prepare for an excellent season, one in which they will have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. Thank you, Mr. Blue Sky! A happy summer Sunday to you too!

In a sports league like the NFL when players outplay their contracts, especially their rookie contracts, as no one really knows what each player is worth until they show it on the filed, it is extremely common practice to rip up the old contract, as it does not reflect the player's actual worth. James Cook is one of those players who has significantly outplayed his contract. The NFL is very different from the army, as you hopefully know. It would be nice if we could legitimately compare our type of everyday workman 'contracts' to those of NFL players, but we can't realistically do that. And I don't believe it is legal to 'get a rifle but" slammed into your head by your superiors in either the military or the NFL. If this has happened to you, sue them. I had a twisted drill sargeant in basic training at Fort Knox, but the worst she did to me was make me do 20 pushups to the wind (often).

By next off season 15 million a year will likely be considered a bargain for an elite back like Cook. If the Bills can lock him up for something like 12-13, 14 and 15 for a three year deal it will go down as one of the best moves Beane had made, securing the services of a game changing back, the fastest, most elusive weapon on the best offense in the NFL last year. And by anyone's standards, a seminal reason they were that good. On the other hand, letting Cook walk, as if it is a fantasy football game, eliminating the best offensive weapon Josh Allen has at his disposal, would go down as maybe the worst move Beane has ever made, making the Von Miller signing look like child's play. Andy Reid and others would be foaming at the mouth to get a player like Cook, someone who runs with speed and power and who can take it to the house on any play.

It is extremely common practice in the NFL for players outplaying their rookie contracts to get new contracts, extensions. In fact, when that happens it seems to be done consistently. It is expected to happen. Teams don't know what exactly they are getting until the new player shows up on the field. This sometimes makes the rookie first contract not representative of the player's value. That is clearly the case with Cook, so he expects a big raise, playing like a game changing starting back, who can run and catch with the best backs in the league. It is a 'duh' that he deserves a new contract as he has far outplayed his rookie deal. And he wants to be paid like one of the best backs in the league, as he considers himself that. I do too and hope the Bills come to their senses--soon.

Wait, are you implying that Cook is not really a super dumb Georgia guy, taking scattershots in the dark, like one recent post seemed to say? That this, not wanting to risk maybe his one chance at a life changing, lucrative contract, is actually a reasonable, intelligent thing to do?

Sound like you really dislike the 'dumb' guy.. A solid running back! Your post is a great example of an early post of mine in this thread, speaking of complimentary football. No one who watched football, and who has watched Cook the last few years,would just throw him in that basic category, solid, serviceable--can you say 'dime a dozen'? Same thing. It is why so many of the 'Let Cook walk' posters make no sense--they just say these kinds of things without much thought, without facts, thinking repeating the same nonsense over and over makes it legitimate somehow. It does not. And it doesn't work the way you say it could--or very rarely in the NFL- Josh throwing the heck out of the ball and running too? A one man show? Hate this cliche, but Superman returns? What you are saying works for you is exactly what the Bills worked so hard to move away from, knowing that a dynamic, physical and game changing running game was the missing element on this team. They have it now, with James Cook leading the way. The Bills have been focused like a laser on giving Josh the line, the skill players, the scheme, and game plan to make RUNNING a huge part of the Bills, post dorsey. Each time the Bills started running the ball more, with Daboll, at 7-6 after the Bucs game, and then after Brady took over for dorsey mid season, and then last year, in his first full year as the OC, they became a much better team--and Josh was at his best. In each of these examples the fundamental change was much more reliance on the running game. The Bills became one of the most run heavy teams in the league--each time. And the Bills, with that balance, became almost unbeatable each time. Not a coincidence, a plan, with an obvious commitment to the run. To bring out the best in Josh Allen, making him almost unstoppable with a high level running game at his disposal. So hopefully Beane and the Bills also don't see Georgia guys as simply stupid Georgia 'dumb asses' and do the right thing, the intelligent thing, and pay Cook what he is worth.

Darn, thought I had it!! Oh well, I will do try harder on the next pop quiz. But there you go again with that obviously humorous idea--'running backs don't move the needle on offense', simply ignoring the fact, which can be very pesky things, that almost all the top teams last year had dynamic running games--and star running backs. Like I said originally, just repeating that silly thing over and over, as you are now doing, ignoring the facts, does not make it any more legitimate.

Whops, sorry, you got me, dead to right. Of course that makes sense, what you say, that if running backs get payed less they are less important. In fact, I am sure if you email almost all of the NFL playoff teams from last year, and tell them your theory, they will simply disregard what their own eyes and the cold hard statistics tell them about how vital their star running backs were to their success last year. Somehow get them to throw out all of their objective information and they will listen to you. I would do it now, and CC that email to all the other NFL teams, so they too don't fall into the trap of paying their featured backs more money going forward, less they have the same kind of success those playoff teams, championship contenders had. The top running backs, leading the best running attacks, making championship runs, one after another. Just a coincidence. Instead, they should heed to your wise words. Umm, high level running backs do better with high level offensive lines-? Is that the correct answer??

Huh!?? One of the silliest comments I have ever read in this forum. Wow, so super illogical Now, go and look at the playoff teams from last year, and then come back and say if you still believe that nonsense--"a running back will never move the needle"!! Except for almost every contending team last year, you mean? Henry on the Ravens, Cook on the Bills, Gibbs and Montgomery on the Lions, Jacobs on the Packers, Barkley on the Eagles... And it is likely the same this year, I predict. Running backs will never move the needle!

Sorry, that is just nonsense, a cliche that cannot be supported in any way. Just because a bunch of people say crap like that, and repeat it over and over, in no way does that make it accurate, true. Do you think the Eagles think that? The Ravens? The Lions? The Packers? The Falcons? The Bills? If what you say in bold is correct, then it is just a coincidence, incidental, that almost all the true NFL contenders last year had excellent running games and running backs. I think each of those teams would likely disagree with your assessment, laugh at the thought of it even. In fact, most of the playoff teams from last year would do the same. Instead most would say their running backs were a seminal reason for their success, vital to it. I can say tight end is less important, or left guard, left tackle, outside linebacker, free safety, the #1 wideout or....................................................................... But it doesn't make it right, accurate, just because I say it, and even if a slew of others parrot my silly comment. But then again, the 2nd point in your sentence is just as nonsensical, Just saying something, as emphatically as you like, does not mean it is true. Who says the drop off from Cook is not 'that large'? Not me, and not most.

I don't know if this is accurate, but I would assume it is, at least in general: those who think that are likely those who do not think the running game is all that important. And so not a big concern who the Bills plug in there. Recall the uproar on here a few years ago related to the concept of 'complimentary football' related to the running game complimenting and improving the passing game and visa versa. We have a generational talent at QB, they reasoned, the running game is not that big of a deal... A generalization, but maybe it is the same mindset, and the same folks overall. They ignore the fact the Allen led Bills do much better, consistently, when they change and commit more to the run. Dorsey had that same mindset, de valued the running game. The Bills were one dimensional, striking no fear with their after thought of a running game. This was an important reason he was fired. Brady's Bills featured the run and became a scary offense again, shortly, and got better and better and better, with the running game leading the way. Run, run, and run this year, become the best in the league, and throw to the backs too. That is how the Bills win it all.

We drafted James Cook in the 2nd round, just three years ago... And he has surpassed expectations, becoming one of the best running backs in the league, with two excellent years. And underutilized last year, needed more touches. And it's very clear he is an ascending player, seemed to get better with every game last year. So the best is yet to come. He should have a monster year this year in Buffalo. And the Bills spent three years helping him develop into a top of the line NFL starting running back. I wonder how many man hours that adds up to. So, you think we can maybe get a 3rd round pick for James Cook? Do you think that is a good trade for the Bills? I do not.

I think most of the arguments against Cook, the 'let him walk' group, misses this fundamental point. This is a much different offense last year without Cook, and to me much less likely Josh wins the MVP. They had a undermanned defense, in transition, and without the dynamic offense, the superb balance--first time ever a team scores 30 rushing and passing TDS in a season--hard to imagine the Bills being a legitimate contender, making the championship game. (And a little more Cook that day, despite the significant defensive injuries, and these are likely moot questions..) This year it will take the defense some time to improve, jell, so that dynamic run/pass offense will be vital again. And the same can be said for games in January and February, against the best teams in the league. That balance was why 3/4 of the championship teams were playing that day, what separated them from the other teams. And without that, the Chiefs were exposed two weeks later. That balance makes Josh Allen and this offense great. And it will help to make the young defense great too. Complimentary football, all the way around. And Cook is a vital part of that.

Well, I think they both have said what a great teammate Cook is, and how hard working, and beloved by the team. And by them, I believe. To me, in addition to his skill set, what he shows his teammates in practice and in games, those things indicate he is an important locker room guy and leader.

I really hope you are wrong and that Beane is better than that. If I were Cook I would do what he is doing--one slip up on the field, one foot planted in the turf, can mean he is a much lesser player--or the end of his career. And the money he is destined to make in the future, deserves, all up in smoke. Gone forever. If you are right, and Beane is taking this personally, thinking in terms of himself vs. Cook, then the deal may not got done. If Beane is a bigger man than that, he gets this done and now, and stops making one of his best players, maybe the 2nd best player on the team, having to worry about his every move. And if the coaching staff thinks they may lose Cook this summer, they should be losing sleep. He is the Bills' best weapon, a player who can break off a long, game changing run or pass or touchdown every time he touches the ball. The Bills have been looking for a game changing weapon like Cook at the running back position since McBeane arrived. He is here.

I am counting on Beane not being dumb enough to jettison his most dynamic offensive weapon, the Bills only elite offensive weapon, and the fastest, most elusive player on the roster--and right before a season with such high expectations. I am betting on the first option, to end this nonsense now. Something like: 13, 14, 15 with most of it guaranteed, locking up the biggest offensive threat for 3 years for under 45 million. Should be a tremendous bargain by the end of this season. Soon!

When we think of the great games in NFL history, the weather is often part of the story, creating some of the seminal images. Especially true for cold weather teams like Buffalo. This is also the case for many of the Bills' games I attended. And the climate plays an important role in so many aspects of the game for the players. It toughens them up, gets them ready for winter games. If you play almost all of your games in domes you don't get that. The next few generations of Bill's fans are lucky, getting NFL football as it was made to be played. Outside-- and on grass!

So happy right now. Best news of training camp so far.

Thanks Yikes What a shame. Makes me even more grateful we will not have one in Buffalo for now and into the future. Attended football games in the Carrier Dome and it was the worst experience ever attending college or pro games. To me, not really football anymore.