Vikings Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook is key to a potential playoff run

The Minnesota Vikings enter the season considered a worthy challenger to the Green Bay Packers for the top spot in the NFC North. The Vikings have been on the cusp of contending for a while, but this could be a breakout season for them if running back Dalvin Cook wields the hammer.

At 27, Cook is nearing the age when running backs begin to fade. He hasn't shown many signs yet that the wheels are falling off, racking up 1,159 yards rushing last year despite dealing with injuries, but he scored only six touchdowns in a somewhat disappointing campaign.

For Minnesota to challenge Green Bay, it needs the Florida State alumnus to resemble the Cook of two seasons ago, when he rushed for 16 TDs and posted 1,557 yards on the ground, averaging five yards a carry. A return to that form could be a steadying force on offense and allow first-year head coach Kevin O'Connell to control the ball and the clock.

At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Cook is certainly not a bulldozing, power back, but he has been effective by hitting the hole quickly and finding space in the open field. Some of the best gains in his first five seasons with the Vikings were busted plays that he somehow converted into first downs. If he shows that type of escapability in 2022, this team could surprise NFL fans and observers.

Controlling time of possession and limiting mistakes will take pressure off quarterback Kirk Cousins. The veteran signal-caller has always possessed good physical tools, but he can go from fantastic to flawed at any given moment. He's much better in a controlled environment, one in which he isn't forced into mistakes by trying to do too much.

Cousins is also a master at the play-action pass, which can be set up perfectly by a dominant ground game. That's why his star running back may be the key in the team's hopes of taking the next step.

A standout season from their talented runner, along with a measured offensive approach, should be enough to keep the heat off Cousins and the Vikings in the hunt for a playoff spot. If Minnesota is going to make a serious run this year, it will be because the legs of Cook helped carry the Vikings to the next level.