4 ways the Vikings can improve on offense in 2021
By Dean Jones
Maximize Cook’s production
Dalvin Cook put up some sensational numbers for the Vikings in 2020. However, Gary Kubiak rode his star running back heavily throughout the campaign, and one doesn’t have to look far across the league to see the long-term effects that this can have on a player at the position if it continues for a consistent period of time.
Let’s examine the situation with Christian McCaffrey as the prime example. The Carolina Panthers gave the All-Pro 729 combined touches in 2018 and 2019 and soon after the player signed a four-year, $64 million deal with a $21 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed, the injuries started piling up.
After not missing a game in his first three years in the league, McCaffrey only appeared in three contests in 2020 thanks to shoulder, ankle, and quad problems.
This only heightens the argument about reluctance to pay running backs, and if the same happens to Cook at any stage, it would be nothing short of a disaster.
Of course, Cook will get the lion’s share of touches in 2021. But it’s vital for the Vikings to keep him fresh and firing on all cylinders to maximize his production.
This is a fine line and one that Klint Kubiak has to handle with care. Minnesota only got better after the bye week when they went back to what’s worked since they selected Cook out of Florida State. Considering the wealth of options in the passing game, taking some of the load off might just be the best thing for all parties in the long run.