Minnesota Vikings: Dalvin Cook proves again he’s elite
Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook showcased his elite top-tier ability again in Week 8.
The Minnesota Vikings may be struggling to start the 2020 NFL season, but their star running back hasn’t taken a step back by any means nearing the midway point of the regular season schedule.
Vikings running back Dalvin Cook put on yet another dominant performance in Week 8 on Sunday afternoon against the Green Bay Packers, singlehandedly lifting Minnesota to an impressive road victory against an NFC North rival.
In the game, Cook shattered multiple records while putting on a show on the offensive side of the ball both on the ground game out of the backfield and in the passing game led by quarterback Kirk Cousins and others.
With that latest display of dominance, Cook once again reminded us and showcased to us all why he is and should continue to be considered one of the top running backs in the league.
The fourth-year running back, coming off of agreeing to a contract extension with the Vikings prior to the start of the season, did it all on Sunday afternoon in Week 8 against the Packers. Cook finished the win with 30 rush attempts for 163 yards and three touchdowns out of the backfield, adding two catches for 63 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Dalvin Cook gained +32 YAC over expectation on his 50-yard TD reception on this screen pass, according to our Expected YAC model.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 1, 2020
Yards After Catch: 54
Expected YAC: 22
YAC Over Expected: +32
Cook leads the NFL with 268 yards on screens since 2019.#MINvsGB | #Skol pic.twitter.com/UZq23QgNUv
Along with those impressive numbers, Cook became the first player to score a touchdown on each of his team’s first four possessions of a game since the NFL and AFC merger in 1970.
He also became the third player in Vikings history with four touchdowns in a game, joining Chuck Foreman, and Ahmad Rashad. In addition, Cook joined elite company of Barry Sanders, Walter Payton and Adrian Peterson as the only players in NFL history with multiple games of over 150 rushing yards against Green Bay in their careers.
In today's victory, @Vikings RB @dalvincook became the 5th player with 200+ scrimmage yards, 3+ rushing TDs and a receiving TD in a single game in the Super Bowl era. pic.twitter.com/VyH56rD1sK
— NFL345 (@NFL345) November 1, 2020
Dalvin Cook has struggled to stay healthy but has been incredible on the field.
So far this season, Cook has played in six of Minnesota’s seven games after missing the Week 6 contest against the Atlanta Falcons with an injury. Yet, he still ranks near the top of the NFL in multiple rushing categories.
Cook exited the Week 8 contest at Green Bay with a total of 652 rushing yards, which ranks second-best in the NFL behind only Derrick Henry (775). He has a league-leading 10 rushing touchdowns on a total of 122 carries (fifth-most in NFL).
Dalvin Cook now has 10 Rush TD this season, the most by a @Vikings player through the team’s first 7 games of a season in franchise history.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 1, 2020
Cook joins Adrian Peterson (8) and Chuck Foreman (2) as the only Vikings players with multiple seasons of 10 Rush TD. pic.twitter.com/mUURcgDPAL
In addition to those impressive stats, the running back is also averaging 5.3 yards per rush attempt and 108.7 yards per game, both of which would be career-best marks if the season ended today. He has also hauled in 14 catches for 127 yards and one touchdown on the year.
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Coming into the 2020 season, there were questions as to whether or not Minnesota should extend Cook or if the two sides should move on beyond this year. But the way he is playing right now and has been for the bulk of his career, he is showcasing yet again why he is worth the investment and should be considered one of the best running backs in the entire NFL.