Numbers Check: Deja-Vu for Dalvin Cook and the Vikings
Another week, another game for Dalvin Cook with over 200 scrimmage yards. The star running back led the way to a second consecutive win for Minnesota, running and making defenders miss all over the field on his way to another banner performance. However, that was far from the only storyline in this 34-20 victory of the division-rival Detroit Lions.
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Avoiding turnovers was a huge key to Minnesota’s win in Green Bay last week. That was certainly part of the story this week as Kirk Cousins avoided turning the ball over once again. However, the more important stat is the three interceptions forced by Minnesota defenders.
These interceptions were made by Eric Wilson, Eric Kendricks, and Harrison Smith, and all three were key to Minnesota only allowing 20 points to the Lions. The Vikings came into this week forcing just six total turnovers this season, so the newfound ability to make these sorts of plays is a welcomed sight.
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One of the biggest complaints from Vikings fans early in the season was the lack of production from the offensive line. This week though, the offensive line did a great job of not only opening up running lanes for both Cook and Alexander Mattison, but also keeping Kirk Cousins upright. Cousins was only sacked once this week, and he was given plenty of time to make accurate throws throughout the game.
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Another knock on Minnesota this year has been the lack of big plays that they’ve been able to come up with on defense. Not at all the case this week. In Detroit’s first five red zone drives, Minnesota allowed just 10 points, and just one touchdown.
The other drives ended with a field goal, a missed field goal, and two of Minnesota’s three forced interceptions. Minnesota probably won’t stop a ton of teams from moving the ball, but if they can continue to make red zone stops like they did today, they greatly improve their chances to remain competitive.