3 biggest Vikings scapegoats from the loss to the Lions in Week 14

Dalvin Cook – RB

Let me start this off by saying that Dalvin Cook is certainly not cleared of blame. Cook’s goal-line fumble was atrocious, though it did seem like it was not the intention for him to run the ball, and it could have been a pop pass. Regardless, the fumble was a backbreaker, and it hurt the Vikings deeply.

That fumble was a big mistake on Cook’s part, but it’s hard to blame him for much of the rest of the game. 15 carries for 23 yards surely doesn’t look like Cook did well, but it was hard for him to get any running room all day.

Minnesota’s offensive line let Cook down on Sunday, as it seemed like he was getting hit in the backfield on every run. The play-calling continuing to run the ineffective plays also didn’t help, as there were no changes being made with their run scheme all game, and it hurt the Vikings.

Cook can go as far as Minnesota’s offensive line can lead him, and when he’s being thrown to the wolves (or the Lions), you can’t put as much blame on his shoulders for this loss.