Sep 24, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook has informed the new hierarchy that they can count on him no matter the play.
New head coach Kevin O’Connell brings a different style to Mike Zimmer, who was a more run-oriented coach.
O’Connell is expected to get the Vikings offense passing more often than it was before. Nonetheless, Dalvin Cook is confident he can adapt to any scheme.
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No matter the style of play, any incoming coach would be able to find a use for Dalvin Cook. The 26 year old has made three consecutive Pro Bowls.
In 2021, Cook had 249 carries for 1,159 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 13 games. He has 36 scrimmage TDs since 2019, the third most behind Derrick Henry (45) and Aaron Jones (40).
As well as that, his three consecutive 1,100 rushing yard seasons represents the longest active run in the NFL.
“Wherever they want me to fit in,” Cook told FOX 9 Sports’ Hobie Artigue. “We got to run the football. That’s a must. So, we’ve got to do a good job at that. However many touches I get, I’m going to take advantage of it. I’m just ready to win games. Wherever I fit in at, if it’s an opportunity to help us win a game, ‘Put me in there, coach.’ That’s my mindset.”
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“I could get the ball 30 times, and you could give it to me 30 more times the next game,” he said. “And then I could go out there and catch five or 10 passes. … Being a bell-cow running back is what I pride myself on being. One of those old school, Warrick Dunn, you know, just being one of those guys.”
