5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans – Week 3

Titans will get a heavy dose of Cook

While Kirk Cousins may have a better game on Sunday, that doesn’t mean the Vikings will rely on the pass. Instead, the Vikings would be better served pounding the rock against a Titans team that ranks 22nd in rushing DVOA per Football Outsiders.

Our own Adam Patrick mentioned the flaws in Gary Kubiak’s play-calling in the first two weeks, which included 58 percent of plays in 1-1 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three receivers). While some of that has come with the Vikings behind on the scoreboard, Dalvin Cook has been non-existent outside of garbage time with just 26 carries in the first two weeks.

Even if Cook’s two touchdowns came later in the game, Minnesota could do a better job of giving him the football earlier. Instead of relying on play-action passes earlier in the game, the Vikings could hand off to set up their deep shots, which should make Cousins’ and Kubiak’s jobs much easier.

This sounds like the type of 1997-based thinking that has put Minnesota in a hole, but they need to figure out how to get guys not named Adam Theilen involved. With Cook being the second-best player on the offense, Sunday could be his big breakout game.