James Cook Looks To Become Just Third Player Since 2001 To Repeat As Rushing Champion

James Cook treats carrying the football the same way he answers questions about his past accomplishments.

The Buffalo Bills running back does both by solely looking forward.

So there was no point in asking Cook to reflect on last year, when he used a brief training camp hold-in as leverage to get a new contract, and then proved his worth by leading the NFL with 1,621 yards rushing.

"I don’t like to talk about last year, because last year is in the past. This year is a new year," Cook said last week. "Put last year behind me, and just come out here to do it again."

That would be difficult for anyone, given that only two players since 2001 have won consecutive NFL rushing titles — Derrick Henry (2019-20) and LaDainian Tomlinson (2006-07).

Propelling the 26-year-old Cook’s belief entering his fifth season are a healthy dose of self-confidence, an offensive line that remains mostly intact and newly promoted head coach Joe Brady’s offensive scheme.

Despite Josh Allen’s strong arm and improvisational skills, the Bills split rushing and passing attempts evenly during Brady’s two-plus seasons as offensive coordinator. Brady sees no reason to change course or to reduce Cook’s workload this year.

"I expect James Cook to take another step this year in different elements of his game and continue to be the workhorse as a runner," Brady said.

"And he wants it, right?" he added. "He had such an incredible season last year. And without diving into exactly what, this is what I told him: He has got to get better. We can’t take steps backwards."

Cook’s power and elusiveness were on display in practice Tuesday, Buffalo's first full day in pads.

On the first team drill, Cook took a handoff and burst through a hole on the left side for what