Minnesota Vikings preseason week 2: Top 5 takeaways vs Seattle

Promising Playmakers

After Dalvin Cook flourished catching passes out of the backfield in his Vikings debut last week I tried to stay cautiously optimistic, not letting myself get to carried away. Cook subsequently followed up that performance by showing off what he can do on the ground against Seattle and I can no longer control myself. I am officially going all in on the Rookie out of Florida State.

On the Vikings first drive it looked as though Cook and the Vikings offensive line would struggle against a talented Seattle front seven but as soon as his blockers started giving him an inch Cook exploded through the gaps presented to him, taking a mile. With 1:14 left in the first quarter the Vikings offense returned to the field and Cook broke off a run of 15 yards, following it up with 2 consecutive 9 yard gains.  In those 3 runs Cook demonstrated more explosiveness and agility than any running back Minnesota had on their roster in 2016. I’m not the only observer convinced and you can see some of the reasons why below, just try not to salivate.

Cook wasn’t the only young prospect to put on a show against the Seahawks, Stefon Diggs continued where he left of last season racking up 65 yards against the vaunted Legion of Boom in less than two quarters of action. With Sam Bradford given time to throw Diggs, who lined up all over the field, was targeted 5 times, averaged 16.3 yards per catch and had a 39 yard catch and run.

Diggs displayed exemplary toughness going over the middle on a slant route catching a short passes and keeping hold of it despite a huge hit from Earl Thomas to secure a first down. On the very next play his route running ability resulted in him being wide open up the left side-line for the aforementioned long gain. Diggs gained his revenge on Thomas, juking him out after the catch. You can enjoy those two plays below or check out all of Diggs’ catches here.

In the final quarter 7th round draft pick Bucky Hodges caught the eye with his first two catches for the Vikings, each going for over 20 yards. With his second game the Vikings lone touchdown of the game and the first of Hodges’ NFL career. On his first reception Hodges was positioned as an inline tight end and went straight up the seam, getting behind Seattle’s linebackers with ease for a simple catch. His touchdown catch demonstrated a higher degree of difficulty, as Hodges had to use all of his 6’6  frame to box out 4^th round rookie safety Tederic Thompson to compete the contested catch.

Next: Top 3 Vikings Fantasy Options

Cook, Diggs and Hodges are all under 24 years old. If the week 2 preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks was any indication, the future looks to be set at the skill positions for the Minnesota Vikings.