Get more creative with Cook
It was clear last season that the Vikings offense would only go as far as running back Dalvin Cook took them.
Kirk Cousins’ limitations are well documented and they were more than evident during Minnesota’s playoff loss at the San Francisco 49ers or any other game where he played from behind or the running game grounded to a halt in the early stages of a contest.
Zimmer should look to the 49ers’ offense under Kyle Shanahan for inspiration in terms of how he can get the most out of his star back who is quickly approaching the prime of his career.
San Francisco did not have someone who carried the ball as much as Cook in 2019, but they used what they had to great effect with misdirections, offensive lineman moving wide or to the second level quickly, and causing the defense to think twice before sending blitzes.
If Mike Zimmer and the Vikings can adopt some of these tactics to a certain degree in 2020, which will also bring Alexander Mattison into the game a lot more, then this will only benefit the offense going forward.
One problem Minnesota has is that Zimmer is not known for supporting elaborate play-calling on offense. Perhaps this might change with Gary Kubiak now calling the shots for the offense. Either way, it needs to in order to make the rushing attack a more consistent threat against the better defenses in the NFL.
This will also enhance the often used play-action and provide additional chances for Minnesota to make big plays down the field.