Why the Vikings current start mimics their 2017 season

Vikings are dominant on the ground

If there is one strength of the Vikings so far, it’s been the ability to pound the rock. After a brief hiatus under former offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, current offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski has made the running game a priority, ranking third in rushing attempts (119) and second in rushing yardage (621).

In 2017, the Vikings were able to use their running game as a weapon thanks to the dominance of their defense. With Minnesota ahead or having the momentum in close games, the Vikings were able to run the ball effectively, ranking seventh in rushing yards (1,957) and second in rushing attempts.

That success was also founded on the backs of Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon. Neither back is currently on the roster, but the Vikings may have upgraded on both of them with the emergence of Dalvin Cook.

Cook has been everything the Vikings have expected this season after trading up to get him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. With the Florida State product currently ranking second in rushing yards, it’s provided a huge boost for the offense and it has made everyone’s lives easier (except for one person).

Of course, during that 2017 season, Cook tore his ACL and he wasn’t a part of Minnesota’s resurgence. With Cook in the fold now, the Vikings have a superstar in the backfield, which could produce an even more potent rushing attack as they trudge through their schedule.