{"id":66643,"date":"2019-06-10T14:11:08","date_gmt":"2019-06-10T18:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=66643"},"modified":"2019-06-10T14:12:00","modified_gmt":"2019-06-10T18:12:00","slug":"previewing-the-minnesota-vikings-running-backs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/06\/10\/previewing-the-minnesota-vikings-running-backs\/","title":{"rendered":"Previewing the Minnesota Vikings Running Backs"},"content":{"rendered":"

By now you\u2019ve heard that the Minnesota Vikings<\/a> want to run the ball more next season. Mike Zimmer<\/strong> publicly stated that the team\u2019s lack of a rushing attack hampered the offense. The roster has changed since last season, and running back is no different. Latavius Murray<\/a><\/strong> left in free agency to join the New Orleans Saints<\/a>. The Vikings drafted a potential Murray replacement in Alexander Mattison<\/strong>. Here is a preview of the 2019 Minnesota Vikings running backs.<\/p>\n

Looking at the 2019 Minnesota Vikings Running Backs<\/h2>\n

The Current Roster<\/h3>\n

The Minnesota Vikings will enter training camp with a handful of running backs on the roster. Dalvin Cook<\/a><\/strong> holds the keys as the starter. His first two years can be described as unfortunate given his injury history. He will look to bounce back and be the back that he was expected to be when the Vikings drafted him in 2017. Cook is joined by Ameer Abdullah<\/a><\/strong>, Roc Thomas<\/a><\/strong>, and Mike Boone<\/a><\/strong> as guys with experience in the backfield. Abdullah joined the Vikings during the 2018 season and had just one carry on the year. Boone and Thomas both showed promise as rookies in 2018, but not enough to cement themselves as contributors.<\/p>\n

Questions surrounding the depth at running back prompted Minnesota to select Alexander Mattison in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Mattison was a star at Boise State for three seasons before entering the draft. He is expected to contribute next to Dalvin Cook right away.<\/p>\n

As training camp plays out, we will get a better feel of what to expect from these backs. The Vikings have a deep unit and could use exactly that heading into 2019.<\/p>\n

What to Expect<\/h3>\n

The first step in running the ball more efficiently is paving roads. Minnesota addressed the offensive line<\/a> in both the draft and free agency. First-round selection Garrett Bradbury<\/strong> should start from day one and clear the way up the middle. Fellow draft pick Dru Samia<\/strong> can also make a huge impact as a rookie if given the chance. Both are powerful, athletic interior lineman with a mean streak. Free agent acquisition Josh Kline<\/a><\/strong> fits that same mold. He is a violent run blocker with a knack for finishing plays with power. Kline is not as athletic as the others, but his experience and raw strength will give him an advantage.<\/p>\n

It also helps that the Vikings have a deadly passing attack in place. Stefon Diggs<\/a><\/strong> and Adam Thielen<\/a><\/strong> are arguably the best receiving duo in the league. Kirk Cousins<\/a> <\/strong>is in a make-or-break season after signing a huge contract last March. Defenses have to keep a close eye on the passing attack, which should open the running game a bit. Of course, that was expected last season and things did not work out. An improved offensive line might be the missing piece.<\/p>\n

Dalvin Cook will carry the load in 2019, but he has help behind him. The pressure will ease off his shoulders as the team looks for a more committee backfield. Injuries have plagued his career. Spreading the ball is a must this season. Now that things are set up a bit, let\u2019s look closer at the roster.<\/p>\n

Taking a Closer Look<\/h3>\n

Dalvin Cook<\/h2>\n

The Vikings spent a second-round pick on Dalvin Cook two years ago. Character concerns pushed Cook out of the first round and right into Minnesota\u2019s lap. His rookie season was brutally cut short after he tore his ACL in week four. He was on pace to be one of the best backs in the league prior to the injury. In 2018, Cook played in 11 games but still dealt with health issues. In the games Cook played, he was timid at times. He favored his knee as he approached contact early in the season. Hopefully, a full summer to rehabilitate will propel Cook to a better 2019 season.<\/p>\n

Cook stepped up after Zimmer criticized the team\u2019s rushing attack. He finished the season strong, playing in each of the final seven games. Cook\u2019s best game came in week 15 against the Miami Dolphins<\/a>. He ran for 136 yards and two touchdowns, his only two rushing scores of the season. Watch here as he put the defender in the spin cycle on his way to the end zone. This is the type of play fans came to expect from Cook in college.<\/p>\n

\n

Dalvin Cook vs unblocked defender-advantage Dalvin Cook pic.twitter.com\/MK4Zqz9f3y<\/a><\/p>\n

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) December 17, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n