Minnesota Vikings Week 1: Top 5 takeaways vs. New Orleans

Cooking on Gas

As the Vikings’ ghost of running backs past sullenly looked on from the opposite side line, their ghost of the future stole the show.

In his NFL debut, Dalvin Cook stuck it to the Saints, gaining 127 yards rushing on 22 carries for a very healthy 5.7 per carry average. The second round selection out of Florida State routinely made the most of the blocking in front of him and when the holes were there, he showed the explosiveness to gain every yard he could.

The world was watching in prime time and they were certainly impressed

There might not be a better example of his impressive burst than his 33-yard scamper out of the shotgun to secure the Vikings’ victory by allowing them to run out the clock.

It was certainly an odd sight watching legendary Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson suit up for New Orleans, but once the game began any lingering feelings for seeing him back in purple and gold quickly faded. Despite a feisty nine-yard run to open the game, number 28 proved to be a non-factor, only gaining nine yards on his remaining five carries and spending much of his time in the second half sulking on the bench.

As great as Peterson once was for the Vikings, there is no doubt that they made the right decision by moving forward at the position and drafting Cook. Not only does the rookie look like a natural running out of the shotgun (a formation Peterson always looked uncomfortable in), but he possesses the receiving ability out of the backfield that Peterson also never had.

He may have only had three catches (and a drop) for 10 yards, but he represents a threat that defenses have to account for.

At this point my only concern regarding Cook is that I will quickly run out of food related puns to describe his sterling displays.