5 most disappointing Vikings from their Week 6 loss to the Falcons

Alexander Mattison – RB

Alexander Mattison drew the start against the Falcons after Dalvin Cook injured his groin in the Vikings’ Week 5 loss to the Seahawks.

Hopes were high for Mattison after he gashed Seattle to the tune of 112 yards on the ground. Many assumed Minnesota’s offense wouldn’t miss a beat against Atlanta with Mattison being the primary ball carrier, but it did.

Mattison struggled to find any room against a poor Falcons defense. The Vikings offensive line didn’t do him any favors as there were many times in which there was a big defensive tackle or linebacker on him before he even got to the line of scrimmage.

Some blame should also be placed on Minnesota offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, who seemed quickly to abandon the run and he tried to attack a weak Atlanta secondary instead.

Even with the poor blocking and play-calling, Mattison clearly isn’t the running back that Cook is and he failed to create any plays on his own. He ran for just 26 yards on 10 carries and while he ran hard, he clearly lacks the explosion and playmaking ability of No. 33.

Mattison was given an opportunity to start and while he didn’t get a lot of help, he failed to make the most out of his chance.