The Bills are heading into training camp with a backfield that looks a lot like last year’s - and that’s a good thing in Buffalo. James Cook is back as the centerpiece, fresh off becoming the NFL’s rushing champion, and he’s surrounded by a group that gives the offense plenty of ways to attack on the ground and through the air.
Cook’s teammates aren’t easing off the gas when it comes to expectations. Center Connor McGovern pushed the conversation toward a bigger number, and Cook didn’t shy away from it.
“Go for 2,000. That’s the great thing,” said Cook.
“Like we put that title on our shoulders too. Like that’s a great honor for us.”
The offensive line is buying in, too. Alec Anderson made it clear the group sees its job as helping the run game climb even higher.
“We keep going. I mean, he’s been rushing for 1,000 yards for three years now.
So that’s the plan, dog. I don’t know.
What else do you want from us, the number one at the rush game? Like, what else gets better than that, you know?
More touchdowns, so we’ll do that for you.”
For all the splash plays Cook brings, he’s also looking inward for a place to sharpen his game. His main camp focus is ball security after he put six fumbles on the board last season, the most of any running back in the league.
The Bills’ depth behind him gives this room real shape. Ty Johnson is back for his fourth straight season and has drawn major praise from Josh Allen, who called him the best third-down back in the league. Johnson’s value shows up on money downs, where he helps in pass protection and gives Allen a dependable option as a receiver.
Ray Davis also returns after earning 1st-team All-Pro honors as a kick returner last season. And Frank Gore Jr. is back for his third season in Buffalo, hoping to carve out a bigger role after spending most of his previous time on the practice squad.
There’s also a new voice helping guide the group. Pete Carmichael is in as offensive coordinator, and he said the backs’ work in practice matters when it comes to building timing in the passing game.
“Well, I think that a lot goes into that. I think that, A, you’re putting them in and you’re repping them. And so guys get a feel for, hey, the timing of it.”
With Cook leading the way, the line ready to lean into the run, and a versatile group behind him, Buffalo’s backfield enters camp looking like one of the team’s most reliable strengths.
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