Adam Thielen thinks Dalvin Cook might be the NFL’s best running back
By Adam Patrick
Following their win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver discussed how talented he believes the team’s top running back is.
Selecting Dalvin Cook as the top offensive performer for the Minnesota Vikings during their Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons is something that most people would probably agree with.
In his first action of the season, Cook carried the ball 21 times and ended up with 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons. Atlanta really had no answer for the talented Vikings running back on Sunday and it was a big reason why Minnesota was able to walk off of the field with a win.
After getting away from it last year, the Vikings know that having a successful rushing attack could lead them back to the playoffs this season.
Following this week’s victory, Minnesota wide receiver Adam Thielen was asked about the importance of the offense being able to get their running game going against Atlanta.
"“We know that (running the ball) is the strength of our team. We know that we have one of the best running backs in the NFL, if not the best. We know we have an offensive line that can just ground and pound. So we’re very fortunate there and we’ve got to continue to do those things, because that will only help this team. That’s what coach (Mike) Zimmer wants our identity to be and that’s what we’re going to make it.”"
With the Vikings focusing more on running the ball on Sunday, Thielen only hauled in three passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. These numbers may not satisfy the receiver’s fantasy owners, but he doesn’t seem to mind as long as it results in more wins for Minnesota.
His comments about Cook may also surprise a few outside of the Vikings’ locker room. But the Minnesota veteran receiver is just very aware of the incredible potential his team’s top running back possesses.
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Staying healthy is really the only thing that has prevented Cook from emerging as one of the NFL’s top running backs since entering the league in 2017. If he can finally stay on the field for most of the season, then it’s not too hard to envision Thielen’s thoughts of the running back being the absolute best at his position becoming a reality.