The Viking Age
FanSided

3 silver linings from the Vikings’ Week 2 loss to the Packers

By Nik Edlund

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 hands off to teammate Running back Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter during the game at Lambeau Field on September 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 hands off to teammate Running back Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter during the game at Lambeau Field on September 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Dalvin Cook
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Dalvin Cook /

Dalvin Cook

Yes, the Vikings didn’t win this game but they have to feel good about their starting running back. Dalvin Cook is simply a game-changer. He can score anytime he touches the football and was the spark that ignited the Vikings comeback in this game.

He had that beautiful 75-yard touchdown run that woke the Vikings up. He ran extremely hard the rest of the game and came very close to busting off a couple of other long runs that could have possibly gone for scores. He used his rare blend of speed and power on his way to 154 yards on the ground in his second consecutive impressive game of the season.

Cook has been so good it could be time for the Vikings to make the offense go through him. Sure, they have some great receivers in Diggs and Thielen but Kirk Cousins proved today that he can’t be relied on to win a game. So it could very well be time to turn him into more of a game manager and let Cook do the heavy lifting for this offense.

He’s proven he can handle a full load, and if the Vikings remain committed to the run and have success, it will also help keep the defense fresh. Many teams over the years have proven that a solid defense and strong run game is more than enough to make a deep run in the playoffs and contend for a Super Bowl. Maybe it’s time for the Vikings adapt to this method using their stud running back.

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