4 most disappointing Vikings from their Week 12 win over the Panthers

Dalvin Cook – RB

This may not be fair to Dalvin Cook, as the guy has been such a horse the last few weeks that he was due for a down game, but his final stat line was disappointing on Sunday and that can’t be argued.

Many expected Cook to be the focal point of the Minnesota offense against the Panthers. Adam Thielen was out for the matchup and it was assumed Carolina would double team Justin Jefferson to take him out of the game plan as well.

Instead, the Panthers made it their focus to take Cook out of the Vikings offense and they were one of the few teams this season that has succeeded in doing just that.

Carolina sent plenty of run blitzes Minnesota’s way and Cook was met in the backfield by Panthers safety Tre Boston on more than one occasion.  The Vikings offensive line was also overpowered by Carolina’s defensive line, who played with much more intensity.

Cook finished the day with 61 rushing yards on 18 carries and no scores. He also lost a fumble in the third quarter that led to a Carolina touchdown during a play in which he also got hurt. Thankfully, Cook was able to return to the contest, but his final numbers were not what anyone was expecting and they were extremely underwhelming.