Minnesota has utilized Dalvin Cook quite often in the running game.
The Vikings have put Kirk Cousins in the back seat of the offense for the most part, as Cook has ran through opposing defenses the last several games.
It’s probably no coincidence that the Vikings have won two in a row. Minnesota has gone to an offensive style that works.
While predictable, the team’s style has been effective. I think it’s hard for a defense to stop Cook when the Minnesota running back has holes to run through. That’s exactly what’s been happening lately.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer recently spoke with reporters about the blocking. He said that the team has changed up schemes for blocking and that those schemes have been working.
“They’re getting on the right guys, getting up to the second level, getting some guys on the ground and creating some space for the runners,” Zimmer said, via the Vikings. “But it’s always a combination of the tight ends being able to do a good job in either cutting a guy off or getting him reached to the front side. Then C.J. [Ham] has done a great job, as well.”
Zimmer also talked about the offensive line as a whole.
“Riley Reiff is playing really well right now, Garrett Bradbury, I think Dakota [Dozier’s] been playing well. I think [Ezra] Cleveland’s been doing a nice job since he’s been in there, and [Brian] O’Neill just keeps improving each and every week and year, as he’s continued his progression,” Zimmer said, via the Vikings “They’re doing really well. Dalvin helps them, too, just as much as they help Dalvin. It’s a combination of things, I think.”
If the offensive line keeps playing like this, it will be difficult to switch anything up, even if Pat Elflein comes back.
