5 dream scenarios for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023
By Ben Donahue
Vikings Dream Scenario No. 2
Alexander Mattison carries the load for the Vikings
In 2022, running back Dalvin Cook started all 17 games, rushed for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns, and caught 39 passes for two more scores. His rushing total marked the fourth straight year Cook ran for over 1,000 yards.
Armed with the knowledge that good, dependable running backs are hard to find in the NFL, the Vikings released Cook on June 9th. That leaves Alexander Mattison as the franchise’s go-to back for 2023.
Mattison spelled Cook at times the past few years and showed he could perform well. However, he hasn’t started more than four games in a season, and Mattison’s highest yearly rushing total was 491 in 2021.
The Vikings drafted Mattison in 2019 out of Boise State, where he ran for over 1,000 yards in his final two seasons. He was also named the Offensive MVP of the Mountain West Conference Championship game in 2018 when Mattison rumbled for 200 yards and a score.
In terms of durability, there’s no reason why Mattison can’t succeed as the primary back. Cook and Mattison are similar in build (Cook is 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, and Mattison is 5-foot-11, 215 pounds), and Mattison has proven that he can withstand the brutality of an NFL game.
During his last four seasons as a Viking, Cook toted the rock at least 249 times each year. Mattison has never had more than 134 carries in a season. Here’s hoping Mattison gets 200+ touches of his own and thrives as the organization’s new 1,000-yard back.