James Cook Opens Up On Losing To Chiefs - interview

[wppete]

Got to love Cook and his Mentality. Let’s hope he is a team Captain next year, he deserves it.

 

 

Edited Friday at 08:39 PM by wppete

[Nephilim17]

Cook joined Kickin It With Dee and was asked about who he'd be rooting for in the Super Bow, to which Cook dismissed both squads

 

"I ain't gonna lie to you, bro... f*ck all of them," Cook said.

 

I've been part of the "never re-sign a running back to a big second contract" group, but between his playoff play and this quote, I might change my mind.

 

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/buffalo-bills/news/buffalo-bills-running-back-james-cook-gives-explicit-thoughts-chiefs-eagles-ahead-super-bowl-lix-nfl/42071d0b86192a6beb7ef3d0

[BillsFanForever19]

2 minutes ago, Nephilim17 said:

Cook joined Kickin It With Dee and was asked about who he'd be rooting for in the Super Bow, to which Cook dismissed both squads

 

"I ain't gonna lie to you, bro... f*ck all of them," Cook said.

 

I've been part of the "never re-sign a running back to a big second contract" group, but between his playoff play and this quote, I might change my mind.

 

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/buffalo-bills/news/buffalo-bills-running-back-james-cook-gives-explicit-thoughts-chiefs-eagles-ahead-super-bowl-lix-nfl/42071d0b86192a6beb7ef3d0

 

I've said this a few times already but I'm in the same boat. I agreed with the line of thought that you don't pay for a Running Back. Just Draft another. But James Cook has changed that for me. 

 

The past two seasons, especially this year, he's shown a total package of skills that you're extremely unlikely to replace in the Draft. He's provided us a Running Game that goes beyond what you'd get from the line of thinking that "get a good line and any RB looks great". Speed, elusiveness, shiftiness, power for his size.

 

We've Drafted 4 RB's, signed a number of veterans, and UDFA's since 2017 and no one's given us close to the kind of performance he has. We would have been completely dead in the water if not for him against KC and many believe going away from him at the end of the game may have cost us the game.

 

I'm of the mind that Beane can structure something that kicks the can down the road and can provide us an out after a few years. And beyond me wanting it, I believe this regime wants to do it. Beyond the things his brother has been saying that James has been endorsing regarding an upcoming contract - I don't think I've ever heard Sean McDermott gas up a player like this beyond Josh or Micah Hyde:

 

 

[JJGauna]

James speaks for all of us lol. Go Bills!

[GETTOTHE50]

I love you James.

 

give him a big contract please. 
 

he played lights out and took a huge jump. it was awesome and for me, unexpected.

 

love that dude 

[Capco]

43 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

I've said this a few times already but I'm in the same boat. I agreed with the line of thought that you don't pay for a Running Back. Just Draft another. But James Cook has changed that for me. 

Agreed as well.  When we drafted Cook in the 2nd, it felt like a gimmick pick based his speed.  I didn't think he'd have the size, durability, and overall skill set to be a feature back.

But I'll gladly eat my crow on Cook.  He's an excellent back and he's developed very nicely.  He has speed but he doesn't rely on it to his detriment.  

[BringBackFergy]

[Kelly to Allen]

We should be playing for the Superbowl championship. Im upset too....

 

Pay that Man his money 💰.

 

We'll get the championship next year 

Edited Sunday at 07:23 AM by Kelly to Allen

[Doc Brown]

1 hour ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

I've said this a few times already but I'm in the same boat. I agreed with the line of thought that you don't pay for a Running Back. Just Draft another. But James Cook has changed that for me. 

 

The past two seasons, especially this year, he's shown a total package of skills that you're extremely unlikely to replace in the Draft. He's provided us a Running Game that goes beyond what you'd get from the line of thinking that "get a good line and any RB looks great". Speed, elusiveness, shiftiness, power for his size.

 

We've Drafted 4 RB's, signed a number of veterans, and UDFA's since 2017 and no one's given us close to the kind of performance he has. We would have been completely dead in the water if not for him against KC and many believe going away from him at the end of the game may have cost us the game.

 

I'm of the mind that Beane can structure something that kicks the can down the road and can provide us an out after a few years. And beyond me wanting it, I believe this regime wants to do it. Beyond the things his brother has been saying that James has been endorsing regarding an upcoming contract - I don't think I've ever heard Sean McDermott gas up a player like this beyond Josh or Micah Hyde:

 

 

McDermott shilling for that 3rd round comp pick and/or jacking up Cook's trade value.  I've got a feeling for the first time in McBeane's tenure we're going to have a training camp holdout with Cook.  If I'm him I want to get paid top dollar now with a 16 TD season averaging 4.9 ypc..  Especially with the momentum of the running back making a comeback phenomenon that seems to have gripped the league this year with Barkley and Henry.  I guess we'll see how much they value a RB with Benford, Groot, Shakir, and Bernard not locked up beyond next year.  They might value RB more with Brady as the play caller so who knows.

Edited Sunday at 07:52 AM by Doc Brown

[BillsFanForever19]

31 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:

McDermott schilling for that 3rd round comp pick and/or jacking up Cook's trade value.  I've got a feeling for the first time in McBeane's tenure we're going to have a training camp holdout with Cook.  If I'm him I want to get paid top dollar now with a 16 TD season averaging 4.9 ypc..  Especially with the momentum of the running back making a comeback phenomenon that seems to have gripped the league this year with Barkley and Henry.  I guess we'll see how much they value a RB with Benford, Groot, Shakir, and Bernard not locked up beyond next year.  They might value RB more with Brady as the play caller so who knows.

 

I doubt that personally. If it came from Beane, I could see it. But I don't think McDermott's the type of guy to feign over a players work ethic, skill, dedication, and perfect mental state like that to talk him up for a trade. Especially for the kind of trade value that a RB would get. He's not that good of an actor. He seemed sincerely impressed.

 

As for the 5 Drafted guys who will be Free Agent's after this year - I put Cook no lower than 3. If I'm only bringing back 3 of the 5, it's Benford, Shakir, and Cook.

 

Rousseau would be tough to let walk. But 25 sacks over 4 years, with 8 being the most he's recorded in one year is simply not enough for me to justify the kind of contract he'll command. I know sacks aren't everything and he does other things very well. But one of the biggest complaints fans have about the team is a lack of pass rush.

 

So I'm having a hard time justifying paying the kind of money it would cost to re-sign a 25 year old Defensive End with his size, athletic ability, and clean bill of health when everyone's screaming for us to get a stud Pass Rusher in here this offseason. Right now, he seems like he'd be a great person to be in Epenesa's spot with a stud Pass Rusher lined up on the Left Tackle. But we're going to have to pay him top Defensive End money and I don't see him as a top Defensive End right now. At the moment, he feels like the Defensive End equivalent of Tremaine Edmunds.

 

And Bernard? He was not the guy we saw last year. He was not popping off the screen nearly as much and he had way more negative plays. It seemed like he was always out of position and was never there when a runner got beyond the line of scrimmage. And he's been dinged up a ton. 

 

I'm paying the guys who have been consistently great the past two seasons. And to me, that's Benford, Shakir, and Cook.

Edited Sunday at 08:19 AM by BillsFanForever19

[GunnerBill]

58 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

And Bernard? He was not the guy we saw last year. He was not popping off the screen nearly as much and he had way more negative plays. It seemed like he was always out of position and was never there when a runner got beyond the line of scrimmage. And he's been dinged up a ton. 

 

I'm paying the guys who have been consistently great the past two seasons. And to me, that's Benford, Shakir, and Cook.

 

I sort of disagree on Groot because I don't think sacks tell the whole story but he is gonna be a tough call because there is a scenario where the number goes to a place I'm not willing to land. 

 

But I agree on Bernard. He was not the same guy this year that we saw last year and I think Cook has passed him on the priority keep list. Not yet at "they must keep Cook" but I'd priortise him over Bernard.

 

Oh and I feel like Cook about the Superbowl. I will watch but it is the least attractive Superbowl of all time.

Edited Sunday at 09:15 AM by GunnerBill

[Doc Brown]

1 hour ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

I doubt that personally. If it came from Beane, I could see it. But I don't think McDermott's the type of guy to feign over a players work ethic, skill, dedication, and perfect mental state like that to talk him up for a trade. Especially for the kind of trade value that a RB would get. He's not that good of an actor. He seemed sincerely impressed.

 

As for the 5 Drafted guys who will be Free Agent's after this year - I put Cook no lower than 3. If I'm only bringing back 3 of the 5, it's Benford, Shakir, and Cook.

 

Rousseau would be tough to let walk. But 25 sacks over 4 years, with 8 being the most he's recorded in one year is simply not enough for me to justify the kind of contract he'll command. I know sacks aren't everything and he does other things very well. But one of the biggest complaints fans have about the team is a lack of pass rush.

 

So I'm having a hard time justifying paying the kind of money it would cost to re-sign a 25 year old Defensive End with his size, athletic ability, and clean bill of health when everyone's screaming for us to get a stud Pass Rusher in here this offseason. Right now, he seems like he'd be a great person to be in Epenesa's spot with a stud Pass Rusher lined up on the Left Tackle. But we're going to have to pay him top Defensive End money and I don't see him as a top Defensive End right now. At the moment, he feels like the Defensive End equivalent of Tremaine Edmunds.

 

And Bernard? He was not the guy we saw last year. He was not popping off the screen nearly as much and he had way more negative plays. It seemed like he was always out of position and was never there when a runner got beyond the line of scrimmage. And he's been dinged up a ton. 

 

I'm paying the guys who have been consistently great the past two seasons. And to me, that's Benford, Shakir, and Cook.

I was kidding about the McDermott praise.  The tricky thing about all these contracts is we don't know who wants to get extended now or who wants to "bet on themselves."  I think if the price makes sense you make it a priority to extend Benford and Rousseau this off-season.  I wouldn't be mad if they extend Shakir or Cook at the right price.  If not, let them play out their rookie deal.  I wouldn't even think of engaging with Bernard until after next year though.

[BillsFanForever19]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

I sort of disagree on Groot because I don't think sacks tell the whole story but he is gonna be a tough call because there is a scenario where the number goes to a place I'm not willing to land. 

True, Sacks don't tell the whole story. But when it comes to your top paid Defensive End it might be the most important chapter in the story.

 

That number you're not willing to reach? That's what it's going to cost. And maybe more. The most expensive traits in Free Agency are youth, starting experience, athletic ability matched with size, and health. If you have those things, even someone who produces at a moderate level goes for way more than they should. Rousseau checks all of those boxes and does so at one of the most expensive positions in Football.

 

If you're going to pay Rousseau the number that his agent will be looking for - we won't be paying for another Defensive End at a high level who can make up for his lack of ability to get to the QB more than 25 times in 4 years and no more than 8 times in any of those 4 years.

 

Right now, we have that situation of Rousseau being our Top Edge Rusher. And it's not enough. People on this board are begging for us to go get Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, (as unlikely as those are) or Khalil Mack and looking at getting to the QB as one of our most important needs.

 

The price tag is what has me out on him. If we could retain him for moderately more than what we're paying AJ Epenesa? Sure. But it's going to be closer to Von Miller and Tremaine Edmunds numbers. And I need serious Sack production and game closing ability for that. If i'm paying the number I'm expecting it to cost, I need more than "he sets a really good edge" or "he's great in run defense to his side". And I shouldn't be thinking "I hope we can afford another DE that can get us double digit sacks" or "I hope we can find a guy in the Draft that's better at getting to the QB than Rousseau". And I do find myself thinking that this offseason.

Edited Sunday at 11:29 AM by BillsFanForever19

[LewPort71]

James, please tell us how you REALLY feel?

 

and yes, open up the wallet for this very talented player.

[Jimmy Harris 69]

James Cook, you are a man sir. 

[C.Biscuit97]

Cook is awesome. Also won me a bunch of money in fantasy because he’s so undervalued. Love his attitude and I hope we locked up with (and reasonable) contract.

 

I love how the league is shifting again to making RBs matter to combat nickel and two high defenses. 

[Pete]

On 1/30/2025 at 5:11 PM, Punch said:

He said "F**k that ref sh*t."

Thats a great TShirt!

[Iiiiiiiiive Got a Feeeelin]

6 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

So I'm having a hard time justifying paying the kind of money it would cost to re-sign a 25 year old Defensive End with his size, athletic ability, and clean bill of health

Groot has had injuries in 2 seasons so far that have allegedly hampered his play(high ankle sprains both times i believe).  although those seasons in hindsight looked pretty similar to this last one when was healthy

[colin]

30 minutes ago, Iiiiiiiiive Got a Feeeelin said:

Groot has had injuries in 2 seasons so far that have allegedly hampered his play(high ankle sprains both times i believe).  although those seasons in hindsight looked pretty similar to this last one when was healthy

 

knox, von, and milano have signed contracts which did damage to this team because of injuries.  i feel like we might face the same thing with groot, bernard, and benford.  guys who miss games, or have their play fall off hard due to injury, but are on big contracts essentially crush your team.  injuries happen of course, but some guys just get hurt more than others.

[Repulsif]

If a deal isn't found, don't be surprised if KC target him day 1