Joe Brady puts James Cook’s ball security under the microscope before the Raiders

Joe Brady says James Cook is running the ball well — and that the fumbles have to stop before they cost Buffalo games.

Meeting with reporters ahead of the Raiders week, Brady praised Cook’s production but put ball security front and center. Cook’s fumble totals since the start of last season lead all running backs, and Buffalo is tied for third in the league in fumbles (10) with a minus-four turnover margin after nine giveaways over the last three games.

“Right now, we’re putting the ball in harm’s way, and we know that’s the way that we lose football games is we turn the ball over,” Brady said. He kept Cook in the game and said he has confidence in him, but added that “at some point there has to be consequences” and that carries will decrease if the fumbles continue.

The timing is sharp: Las Vegas enters Week 6 tied for the league lead in takeaways and leads the NFL in forced fumbles. The Bills (4-1) visit the Raiders (3-2) on Sunday, October 18, at 4:25 p.m. EDT after staying in California following Monday night’s overtime win over the Rams.