Brandin Cooks experienced a challenging game as the Buffalo Bills secured a narrow 23-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns. During the matchup, Cooks dropped a pass thrown 31 yards downfield, marking his first target of the day and just his ninth snap overall. This incident adds to a tough start for Cooks with the Bills, where he has only been targeted twice in the last two games. His only reception so far was a 13-yard catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite these setbacks, Cooks remains optimistic about his role with the team. “I’m going to continue to grind, come in here, work my tail off and all that’s going to change,” he shared after practice. He acknowledges that he has only five targets across his first four games, from his time since being released by the New Orleans Saints. Typically, Cooks has enjoyed a higher share of snaps, playing nearly 80% during his extensive career, but he currently finds himself on the field for just 29.4% of the Bills’ offensive plays.
The Bills’ system involves heavy rotation among their receivers, which contributes to the notable difference in Cooks’ snap count. Buffalo’s approach stands out against the league, with many teams favoring receivers who play over 70% and up to 80% of the snaps in a game. Despite this new paradigm, Cooks asserts that teamwork and winning remain his top priorities. “We’re all kind of rotating, and our run game is so amazing. … When I’m in — it doesn’t matter how much — that’s just my mindset,” he stated.
While Cooks acknowledges that neither of the missed passes from quarterback Josh Allen were perfect throws, he reiterates that the limited opportunities make it challenging to build rapport with his new quarterback, particularly one as dynamic as Allen. Past cases, like that of Amari Cooper transitioning midseason to the Bills, illustrate the difficulties players face when adjusting to new systems and chemistry with teammates.
Despite the complexities, both Cooks and the coaching staff see promise in his integration into the team. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady highlighted Cooks’ impact on the field, mentioning how he has opened opportunities in both the passing and running game. His speed continues to be an asset, as evidenced by a recent pass interference call he drew against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bills have recognized Cooks for his professionalism and commitment to mastering the playbook.
As the season progresses, the expectation remains that Cooks will find his groove and start contributing more significantly to the Bills’ offense. The team’s faith in him suggests that brighter days lie ahead for the veteran receiver.