4 positive Minnesota Vikings storylines at the 2020 midseason point
By Dean Jones
Cook’s emergence as the NFL’s best running back
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Vikings will only go as far as Dalvin Cook takes them. The running back has enjoyed a phenomenal 2020 campaign so far and there is little denying the fact he is currently the NFL’s hottest player at the position.
If the Vikings were looking for Cook to make an impact following the bye week, they certainly got it. The former Florida State sensation has set the league alight with two exceptional performances that spearheaded Minnesota to victories over the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, which has some looking for the player to enter the MVP discussion.
That might be stretching it a bit, but Cook’s importance to the Vikings is undeniable.
Getting back to basics is the best thing that’s happened to Minnesota’s offense this season. Gary Kubiak had some criticism before the bye regarding his play-calling and it’s no surprise to see things turn round once they went back to the smashmouth football that has become a trademark of the Mike Zimmer era.
Cook is worth every cent of his new deal. Anyone who thinks otherwise should go back and watch the last two games.
He has already accumulated 858 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns from 144 carries at the midseason point. Cook has also brought in 16 receptions for 173 receiving yards and a score, putting him over the 1,000-yard mark in all-purpose yards.
Simply put, Cook has emerged as the NFL’s best running back after Minnesota’s first eight games.