Countdown to the Vikings Season Opener: 33 Days
Ali Siddiqui
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The Minnesota Vikings season opener at Cincinnati is 33 days away. Fans are excited to watch this team again. Even being at training camp has been more exciting than usual given how last season unfolded. Fans got to head to U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday to watch them scrimmage.
No. 33 is worn by running back Dalvin Cook, who has been with the team since being drafted by them in the second round (41st overall) of the 2017 draft out of Florida State.
Cook has shown to not only be a huge weapon as a runner, but also as a receiver. He once again will be among the main keys to this offense, which has a chance to be very good.
After playing in a total of 15 games in his first two seasons, he has missed four total over the past two years. Last season he set career-highs in attempts (312), rushing yards (1,557), yards per carry (5.0) and rushing touchdowns (16). He will have a critical role on the team, but you have to wonder if the Vikings will ease the load on him a bit. Alexander Mattison is a capable running back, and they should pass more this season. Of course, the offensive line needs to show some improvement too.
In week seven at Lambeau, the Vikings pulled off a 28-22 upset win over the Green Bay Packers. Cook played a huge role in that by rushing for 163 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. He also had a 50-yard touchdown reception. The very next week at home against the Detroit Lions he rushed for 206 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries in a 34-20 win.
Last season the Vikings offense was ranked fourth overall in the league, and their 26.9 points per game was 11th best. This offense could perhaps be even better in 2021, and if not, it should be just as good. Cook will certainly be one of the reasons for that, barring major injuries to him and/or other key contributors on the team.
It will also be interesting to see how new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, uses the versatile back. Running backs may not matter as much as they did in year’s past, but having one like Cook is great to have, especially because of his versatility.
This team has a chance to be very good this season. The fifth-year back should have another solid campaign if he stays healthy, but they should definitely consider lessening his role just a bit to keep him fresh.
Dalvin Cook Full Season Highlights | NFL 2020 – YouTube