Lets talk Dalvin...

He's already made me happy. As much as I loved AP, the traditional type of back he is doesn't mesh well in this league today. Cook can do it all man. Kid is a stud.

@"PurpleCrush" said: He's already made me happy. As much as I loved AP, the traditional type of back he is doesn't mesh well in this league today. Cook can do it all man. Kid is a stud.

A couple of his blitz pick-ups's were awesome today...CRITICAL!! 

Since the Vikings traded up in April’s draft to nab Dalvin Cook, the running back has downplayed the meaning in becoming the heir to a job in the Vikings backfield previously held by a superstar destined for the Hall of Fame. Even after Cook’s first touchdown Sunday helped lift the Vikings to a 34-17 win, and even after 97 more rushing yards helped inflate his season total to 288 yards, Cook said he’s spent little time reflecting on a three-week NFL career that has been better than any Vikings rookie running back in franchise history. His rushing total through three games surpassed the rookie record set by his predecessor, Adrian Peterson, in 2007 when Peterson ran for 271 yards, the beginning of a 1,341-yard season. “This season, man, it’s been amazing,” Cook said. “I haven’t thought about it really because I just like to win. But it’s been amazing. All these guys have welcomed the rookies to the locker room. I don’t too much care about the statistic, I just like us getting the win.”  For a team that has started two different quarterbacks in three games, Cook’s productivity has been especially helpful. The Vikings eased Case Keenum into what ended as the best NFL game of his career, helping their quarterback by giving the ball to Cook on eight of their first nine plays. He punctuated their 75-yard opening drive with the first touchdown of his career, a week after he fell inches short of his first trip to paydirt before CJ Ham finished off that drive. “It was a good feeling knowing that I got in – and I was in this time,” Cook said. “Coming out and scoring a touchdown in the front of the home crowd was good.” He iced the game, too, part of his 27 carries for 97 yards, and showed off an all-around game that evaded Peterson, his exceptional running not withstanding. But Cook helped keep Keenum upright in pass protection and caught five passes for another 72 yards, totaling 168 all-purpose yards. “If I can’t pass protect, I’m not going to be out there,” Cook said. “I’ve got to protect Case or whoever’s back there. That’s part of my game and I’ve got to get it done.” In training camp, Cook won a competition between he and veterans Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon to earn the primary role. Peterson, meanwhile, has been relegated to a backup job with his new team, the New Orleans Saints. Through three games, Cook is averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Three games into his Saints career, Peterson is averaging 3.4 yards per carry, totaling 79 rushing yards. “Dalvin is a really good player,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “He’s got great acceleration and quickness. Does a good job in pass protection, catches the ball well. One of the things that kind of showed up on the last third we hit (was when) he caught the ball. The deal was to stay in bounds, but he kind of looked for somebody to attack. He’s a kid that, I think, is going to continue to get better. You saw some of the tough runs he made today and I thought the offensive line was outstanding today.” Last season, the Vikings ranked last in the NFL in rushing yards, managing only 1,205, part of the reason the offense was forced to rely on short passes. But with Cook in the backfield this season, the team has complemented an improved running game with deeper passes including a 45-yard strike to Adam Thielen on the first drive that helped set up Cook’s touchdown. “He’s a tremendous back,” Vikings safety Harrison Smith said. “We are lucky to have him. For a rookie, he is extremely composed. He just knows how to do the right things.” http://www.twincities.com/2017/09/24/dalvin-cook-breaks-adrian-petersons-3-game-vikings-rookie-record/

Cook is doing a great job, hopefully he stays healthy because I think he's only going to get better as the season goes on.

He can definitely take a hit and make a hit on a block. He also can shake off tackles. He is exciting to watch. 

Tampa Bay Times: Wish the Bucs had taken Dalvin Cook? Read thishttp://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/wish-the-bucs-had-taken-dalvin-cook-read-this/2338437
"We consider him a game-wrecker,'' Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith said.
Everybody considers Cook a game-wrecker.
"He's not a 'run-and-get-out-of-bounds' guy,'' Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. "He's a 'get-that-extra-couple-yards' guy. Anybody like that, you've got to bring your big-boy pants with you.''

He's a complete player. Good runner, steps up big in pass protection, and as he demonstrated today he's a threat in the passing game. As great of a player as Peterson was, I think Cook is a much better fit for the modern game and Shurmur's offense, though I do want to see him get better at goal line runs. He was very fortunate they didn't reverse the ruling on the field on his first TD.

I'm really thrilled about Cook too. 

I've got to say, though...I personally underestimated Kareem Hunt enormously. 172 on 17 carries today, wow. Some people on this board were really high on Hunt prior to the draft - well done!

Hes special and thought he would be the guy we remember from this draft. 

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"PurpleCrush" said: He's already made me happy. As much as I loved AP, the traditional type of back he is doesn't mesh well in this league today. Cook can do it all man. Kid is a stud.

A couple of his blitz pick-ups's were awesome today...CRITICAL!! 

The guy is way better than I thought he'd be.  No doubt the team is better with him in there.  He's a difference maker; a big time play maker.  Dalvin's only going to get better as the season goes on - that's exciting. 

Dalvin Cook is total package for Vikings through 3 weeks

As of Monday morning, Dalvin Cook was the NFL’s second-leading rusher. He had eclipsed Adrian Peterson’s team record for the most rushing yards in the first three games of his career. And it was difficult to imagine a Vikings running back playing a more complete game than the one Cook turned in on Sunday afternoon.
Carrying 27 times for 97 yards, Cook did much of his work gaining yards after he’d already been hit. According to Pro Football Focus, he averaged 3.04 yards per attempt after first contact; in other words, he gained 82 of his 97 yards after he’d already been hit once. He slipped two ankle tackles on his 26-yard run in the third quarter, carrying safety T.J. Ward for nine yards at the end of the play and gaining 24 of his yards after contact on the run.
http://www.startribune.com/dalvin-cook-the-total-package-for-vikings-through-3-weeks/447642733/

Dalvin Cook's big workload with Vikings demands he maintain his body with newfound necessitiesVikings running back Dalvin Cook’s focus is in his weekly routine to stay healthy. How else can the NFL rookie continue to take the league by storm?
So how’s Cook feeling after his 32 touches for 169 yards against the Buccaneers?
“I’m good, man,” Cook said with a smile. “I feel like I’m back at Florida State.”
http://www.startribune.com/dalvin-cook-s-big-workload-with-vikings-demands-he-maintain-his-body-with-newfound-necessities/447821133/

CJ Ham....22 snaps Sunday and some lead-blocking for #33 too...

Insert beers clinking emoji here...

@"purplefaithful" said: CJ Ham....22 snaps Sunday and some lead-blocking for #33 too...

Insert beers clinking emoji here...

Yea and I was convinced Shurmur wouldn't keep a FB on the roster never mind play him that much.

Dalvin Cook has been exactly what Vikings’ offense neededIn the Minnesota Vikings’ two wins, their passing game has been the center of attention as Sam Bradford and Case Keenum had career days in wins over the Saints and Bucs. But rookie running back Dalvin Cook has given the Vikings’ offense a dimension it was sorely missing last season.
When the Vikings drafted Cook in the second round, they dreamed of an all-purpose back with explosive-play speed, great vision, patience and the smarts to transition quickly into an NFL offense.
Through three games here are the results: Check. Check. Check. Check.
http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2017/09/dalvin-cook-exactly-vikings-offense-needed/

Dalvin Cook credits RBs coach, teammates with quick adjustment to NFLPrior to the NFL Draft, Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said that running backs can transition quickly from college to the NFL because they can rely on playmaking ability as they adapt to things like schemes and pass blocking. But Vikings running back Dalvin Cook hasn’t had trouble in any area, playing 70% of total snaps, ranking in the top five in rushing and excelling in the pass blocking game. Following Sunday’s 97-yard performance by the former Florida State star, head coach Mike Zimmer praised Cook’s ability to gain extra yards after contact. Cook passes the credit off to running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu. “KP, he stresses that we have to beat the second level,” Cook said. “The O-line does their job up front to give us a push to get to the next level, we have to beat one man. He’s enforcing that and it’s paying off by making guys miss and we are getting those extra yards as a group.” http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2017/09/dalvin-cook-credits-rbs-coach-teammates-quick-adjustment-nfl/

Lost about 25 yards on holds by Easton and Thielan...He's been as good as advertised...

@"purplefaithful" said: Tampa Bay Times: Wish the Bucs had taken Dalvin Cook? Read thishttp://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/wish-the-bucs-had-taken-dalvin-cook-read-this/2338437 "We consider him a game-wrecker,'' Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith said. Everybody considers Cook a game-wrecker. "He's not a 'run-and-get-out-of-bounds' guy,'' Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. "He's a 'get-that-extra-couple-yards' guy. Anybody like that, you've got to bring your big-boy pants with you.''

I had Cook tabbed for Tampa...was shocked when they passed on him...Howard is a top flight prospect, but who gives you more impact, a legit 3 down back or a TE...especially when you've already got a decent TE and your best RB is an on again off again Doug Martin...

@"BarrNone55" said:

@"purplefaithful" said: Tampa Bay Times: Wish the Bucs had taken Dalvin Cook? Read thishttp://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/wish-the-bucs-had-taken-dalvin-cook-read-this/2338437 "We consider him a game-wrecker,'' Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith said. Everybody considers Cook a game-wrecker. "He's not a 'run-and-get-out-of-bounds' guy,'' Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. "He's a 'get-that-extra-couple-yards' guy. Anybody like that, you've got to bring your big-boy pants with you.''

I had Cook tabbed for Tampa...was shocked when they passed on him...Howard is a top flight prospect, but who gives you more impact, a legit 3 down back or a TE...especially when you've already got a decent TE and your best RB is an on again off again Doug Martin...