5 biggest questions we still have about the 2023 Vikings
By Adam Carlson
Vikings question No. 1
Will the run game succeed without Dalvin Cook?
Last year, the Minnesota Vikings were tied for 28th in rushing yards (1,661) and 26th in rushing yards per attempt (4.1) but tied for seventh in rushing touchdowns (18), giving them a struggling rushing attack that still made the most of their opportunities in scoring positions.
This year, the Vikings will approach their run game without Dalvin Cook. A recent training camp injury to Alexander Mattison puts the rushing attack for the 2023 NFL season in even more doubt for the time being.
Minnesota doesn't need a running back to rush for a huge number of yards or touchdowns during the upcoming season, but they need to be able to be efficient enough to force opposing defenses to not focus on stopping the pass.
Not only that, but the passing game of the Minnesota Vikings is strong when using play-action. If teams aren't afraid of Kirk Cousins handing the ball off to a running back, it could cause the entire offense to struggle.