Tag: Dalvin Cook

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Who Would be the Most Devastating Loss?

This time of year, fans of all football teams look at their rosters like Jack and Rose looked at the Titanic while it was still at port: blissfully and ignorantly. Such an amazing work of mankind, such talented rosters, what could possibly go wrong? As the Vikings set sail in search of the Lombardi, the metaphorical iceberg is a devastating injury.

American football is brutal on the body… Darwin would be mesmerized watching players adapt or succumb to natural selection. Only the toughest survive the gridiron, while many athletes are unexpectedly taken down in freak accidents (i.e. Teddy Bridgewater). As another season approaches, I look at the Vikings roster and wonder what would be the most devastating position or player to lose besides quarterback Kirk Cousins.

I asked my followers this very question on Twitter (@PurpleReignNews) and received a mixed bag of responses. Some felt veteran safety Harrison Smith would be the biggest loss as he quietly leads Mike Zimmer’s defense, while others deemed skill players like Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, or Dalvin Cook the most valuable. Obviously, I’d hate to lose any player – no one “deserves” an injury and they can sometimes be career threatening, but injuries in the NFL are very common and it’s a realistic question.

In my opinion, the biggest loss would be Adam Thielen. Minnesota’s offense is still finding its identity, and the work ethic and talent that Thielen brings to the locker room is irreplaceable. He led the Vikings in receiving yards last year with 1373, and losing a leader with such an inspiring success story would surely leave fans and teammates at a loss. After the legendary Minneapolis Miracle, it wouldn’t be hard to root for Stefon Diggs instead, but I don’t think he’s as vocal a leader as Thielen. Without Thielen, Diggs would also undoubtedly face more double-teams, and it would force untested players into full-time roles.

An injury-free season is an unrealistic dream, but I’m praying to the purple gods that Thielen can stay healthy this year.

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My Compliments to the Chef


The recent suspension of cornerback Holton Hill has some fans questioning GM Rick Spielman’s judgement. But, Slick Rick’s gambles have paid off in the past as evidenced by Dalvin Cook.

Much like Holton, Dalvin “The Chef” Cook was deemed a “problem child” coming into the 2017 draft, and his run-ins with the law ran him right out of the first round.

Despite Dalvin’s checkered past, the Vikings spent a second-round pick on the Florida native, and it has certainly paid off. The former FSU Seminole (and their all-time leading rusher) quickly turned into a real asset for Minnesota, logging 4.7 yards per attempt over his first two years in the north. Cook’s ability to catch passes also makes him a much more dynamic back than predecessor Adrian Peterson.

Injuries excluded, Minnesota’s lead back has stayed out of trouble and proven Rick right for taking a risk. With so many stars missing time due to suspensions, Spielman is undoubtedly glad to have someone like Cook on the roster. Aside from his obvious skillset, Dalvin has a no-nonsense attitude and leads by example in the locker room. Former Vikings corner and respected coach Terence Newman recognized Cook’s work ethic during his rookie year:

“He’s a young man who comes to work, he gets in his locker, he minds his own business.”

Off the gridiron, Dalvin is also becoming a respected figure in the Twin Cities community. Back in June, he won the first-ever “Iron Viking” charity cooking contest, and he passed on his skills to kids from the Boys & Girls Club a few months later. The amateur cook was also recently spotted at a high school basketball event where he interacted with some lucky players and fans.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv2-li1Bgyp/

With his great work ethic and undeniable talent, I expect the chef will be serving touchdowns in Minnesota for years to come.

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