Bills HC Joe Brady Threatens James Cook's Carry Count

If it hadn't been for the the blocked kick on a field goal attempt by Harrison Mevis, the Los Angeles Rams would have defeated the Buffalo Bills in overtime after James Cook III fumbled the ball on the Bills' opening possession of the period.

The missed kick allowed the Bills to march down the field for 35 yards before Tyler Bass nailed a 45-yard attempt, giving Buffalo a 37-34 win on "Monday Night Football" in Week 5. 

The consequences for Mevis were dire, as the Rams cut the kicker on Tuesday after missing one field goal in the first quarter and having his second attempt of the night blocked.

Cook is facing pressure himself after the lost fumble. While Cook rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries during Monday night's game, he fumbled the ball twice.

When speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Bills head coach Joe Brady had a message for Cook. Per video posted to X by Alex Brasky, Brady said Cook putting the ball in harm's way is "negating all the positive" that's he's brining to the offense. 

Brady warned that there could be "consequences" if the fumbling issue isn't corrected, adding that the situation needed to improve of the carries would "decrease" for the star running back. 

Through Week 5, Cook has the third most rushing yards in the league with 532 yards. He's only behind Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Cook has five rushing touchdowns on the season.

Cook also has four fumbles on the year, with two of them being lost. He lost one fumble in the Bills' 24-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 27.

Cook's fumble on Monday night in overtime would have cost the Bills a win if Mevis had made the kick. It's understandable Brady wants to drive the point home to Cook before Buffalo plays for bigger stakes later in the season.

The Bills are better with Cook on the field. He opens opportunities for the passing game and makes it easier for Josh Allen to run the ball himself. Allen led Buffalo in rushing with 121 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries against the Rams.

Following the win, the Bills are 4-1 and will next play the 3-2 Las Vegas Raiders on the road in Week 6. Look for Cook to take extra caution to protect the ball in that game.