Coming into the 2017 NFL season, one of the biggest question marks for the Minnesota Vikings was whether running back Dalvin Cook would be able to fit in well with the team that was about to enter the post-Adrian Peterson era.
Based on Cook’s performance in Week 1’s 29-19 win Sunday night at home against the New Orleans Saints, it may be safe to say that the Florida State product is going to be just fine.
Cook sizzled from out of the backfield, rushing for 122 yards on 22 carries, almost single-handedly shouldering the entire load of the Vikings’ ground attack. While Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer surely was impressed by Cook, the running back wasn’t the only rookie Zimmer singled out as among that stood out following the game.
Per Sid Hartman of The Star Tribune:
Zimmer added that he was pleased with the way his three rookie starters played, including center Pat Elflein, the first Vikings rookie to start at center since Mick Tingelhoff. The other rookie starters were Cook and linebacker Ben Gedeon.
Elflein was the second overall pick of the Vikings behind Cook in this year’s draft, one who was expected to help out on the Vikings’ problematic offensive line. He did well in his pro debut, helping the Vikings allow just one sack in the game while blocking for their rushers. As for Gedeon, he appeared on the stat sheet with two solo tackles.
Zimmer also gave credit to the team’s scouts, who must be pleased to see their offseason work pay off right away.
“That was good,” Zimmer said. “It shows a good job by the scouts in the offseason and the draft.”
Follow Us
Subscribe