10 bold predictions for the 2022 Minnesota Vikings
By Chris Schad
Dalvin Cook will lead the league in runs of 20 yards or more
In the Vikings’ old offense, Dalvin Cook was Plan A, B, and C. Over the past two seasons, only Derrick Henry (900) had more carries than Cook (811). While it also helped Cook rank second in rushing yards (3,851) during that time, his effectiveness wore off as the season went along.
That shouldn’t be a problem in O’Connell’s offense. During his two seasons with the Rams, four different running backs (Darnell Henderson, Cam Akers, Sony Michel, Malcolm Brown) logged at least 100 carries. By comparison, only Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison reached the 100-carry mark with the Vikings. The next closest running back was Ameer Abdullah with 15.
Much like Cousins, Cook could benefit from a “less is more” philosophy. With the possible emergence of Kene Nwangwu and the addition of Ty Chandler, the Vikings have a stable of running backs who could keep Cook fresh throughout the season.
If Cook is fresh, he becomes more explosive. If he becomes more explosive, we could see more long runs in 2022.