The Minnesota Vikings saw their dream season come to a disappointing end last Sunday in a 38-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.
With a few days to assess how the season played out, rookie running back Dalvin Cook voiced that he believes he could have helped the Vikings in many ways to lift them possibly further into the playoffs, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.
“I’ve got to get back healthy and get back on the field and be reliable on the field,” Cook said, via the team’s website. “That’s just staying healthy, and that’s the No. 1 goal for this offseason, to get healthy and stay healthy for the rest of the season. I could say I could have helped a lot, but that’s why you have to be healthy. That’s the No. 1 key this offseason and to get bigger, faster and stronger.”
Cook had seen his first season come to an abrupt close in early October due to an ACL tear that came in just his fourth career game. It put a complete halt to what was shaping up to be a promising season as he has rushed for 354 yards while hauling in 11 catches for 90 receiving yards over that span. In his place, the Vikings had turned to both Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon to fill the void.
The duo did perform quite well in his absence with Murray rushing for 842 yards and eight touchdowns; Cook could have taken their running game to another level. He had the ability to make Minnesota a more dangerous offensive team while allowing Case Keenum to be a more effective passer under center.
That said, the Vikings will have to turn the page to the 2018 campaign with the offseason fast approaching. Cook looks to be on pace to be ready as he has begun jogging in his rehab. The biggest question that the front office must answer is their quarterback situation with all three of their options are set to become free agents. Once that is resolved, the focus more directly on adding to a roster that could take the team to another deep playoff run.
Follow Us
Subscribe