Locked On Bills - Daily Podcast On The Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills' James Cook aims to cement his legacy—can he repeat as the NFL’s rushing king in 2026? Joe Marino spotlights Cook’s rise as a superstar, the crucial role of O'Cyrus Torrence’s power in the trenches, and the ripple effect of new addition D.J. Moore on the ground attack. Ty Johnson and Ray Davis round out one of the league’s most well-constructed running back rooms, with strong blocking from Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shakir, and the receiver corps promising an offense poised for explosive gains.

But looming questions threaten to shake up the Bills’ rushing dominance. Joe Marino examines the loss of offensive line guru Aaron Kromer, the departure of fullback Reggie Gilliam, and whether new faces can fill the void up front. Will Joe Brady’s system shift Buffalo away from run-heavy football? How will James Cook’s touches—and costly fumble trend—be managed? Don’t miss this incisive breakdown of Buffalo’s 2026 rushing identity and the contract dynamics shaping Cook’s future.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Visit https://www.thejoemarino.com/ for details on Substack, Subtext, Merch and more! 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Square

If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Buffalo Bills confront 2026 with major questions on the interior defensive line—can Ed Oliver and Deone Walker anchor a unit filled with unproven talent? Is the inside linebacker group, led by Terrel Bernard, equipped to steady the defense amidst injuries and new faces like Caleb Elarms-Orr?

Joe Marino ranks every Bills position group by confidence level, spotlighting deep concerns on defense while highlighting strengths at quarterback with Josh Allen, the revamped running back room led by James Cook, and a versatile tight end group featuring Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox. The conversation explores how Jim Leonhard’s new scheme and recent draft picks could reshape Buffalo’s identity, the offensive line's challenges, wide receiver depth questions, and why outside linebacker and cornerbacks offer intriguing flexibility. Will Brandon Beane’s roster construction propel Buffalo toward contention, or do key weaknesses threaten another disappointing finish?

Photo Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Visit https://www.thejoemarino.com/ for details on Substack, Subtext, Merch and more! 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Square

If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

00:00 Discussing Josh Allen and Sean's Relationship

09:20 Talking with Tyler Dunn

13:52 Introducing Indeed Sponsored Jobs

20:06 Josh Allen's pressure and legacy

25:07 Balancing family and football life

29:00 Dan Campbell's coaching style

33:13 Discussing men's performance medicine

41:53 Job interview uncertainties for head coach

46:32 New stadium and fresh start

50:16 Buffalo stadium updates and more

57:12 Eager anticipation for venue opening

01:00:03 Adding a running back for camp

 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Square

If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Several Buffalo Bills stars are on the brink of rewriting franchise history as Josh Allen closes in on Jim Kelly’s all-time passing touchdowns record and James Cook races up the rushing charts. Could this backfield duo cement themselves atop the record books? Joe Marino highlights Dawson Knox’s pursuit of tight end milestones, Tyler Bass’s rise as a potential leading scorer, and defensive standouts Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau making moves up the Bills’ all-time sack leaderboards.

The show digs into single-season records up for grabs—will Josh Allen set new marks for passing yards or touchdowns, or can James Cook break his own rushing touchdown record? Rookie watch is in focus as TJ Parker, Davison Igbinosun, and Skyler Bell approach notable benchmarks. With DJ Moore entering the offense and a new, wind-friendly stadium on the horizon, could Buffalo see an offensive explosion unlike anything in team history?

Photo Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Visit https://www.thejoemarino.com/ for details on Substack, Subtext, Merch and more! 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Square

If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Buffalo Bills face a pivotal transition as Josh Allen enters the 2026 season without longtime head coach Sean McDermott. With Joe Brady stepping up as head coach and new offensive voices like Pete Carmichael and Bo Hardegree joining the staff, Allen’s leadership and adaptability are under the spotlight. Can Allen drive a reimagined, pass-heavy attack and keep the Bills among the AFC’s elite?

The conversation explores Buffalo’s revamped receiver corps featuring DJ Moore, Dalton Kincaid, and Khalil Shakir, questions surrounding offensive line stability—especially at left guard—and the backup quarterback situation behind Allen. Key concerns include Joe Brady’s readiness to manage heightened head coach responsibilities and the Bills’ ability to limit negative plays after last year’s spike in sacks, turnovers, and fumbles. How will Allen, now a new father and on the wrong side of 30, rise to meet these unprecedented expectations?

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Visit https://www.thejoemarino.com/ for details on Substack, Subtext, Merch and more! 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Square

If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.