I’ve always felt as though my fondness for Dalvin Cook is more than the general public. In the past, I’ve called him an MVP candidate and advocated for the Vikings to pay him whatever he wants. Cook is without question one of the best running backs in the NFL and never gets the recognition for whatever reason.
We’re four weeks into the 2020 NFL Season, and Cook is by far the best running back in the league. No question.
Here are some basic facts:
- Cook leads the NFL in 1st down runs (25)
- Cook leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns (6)
- Cook leads the NFL in missed tackles (21)
- Cook leads the NFL in yards after contact (269)
- Cook leads the NFL in rushing yards (424)
Behind is a very average offensive line, Cook is averaging an efficient 5.7 yards per carry. There’s no denying that Gary Kubiak is a great mind when scheming up run plays. Still, credit where credit is due. Cook is tearing the league up.
Cook is the most valuable running back in the league. Kirk Cousins has yet to crack the 260-yard passing mark in a game and has a 6-6 TD to INT ratio. Cousins also has a rating of 85. That’s while Cook is in the backfield doing all he can to carry this team. Imagine what this offense looks like without the former second-round pick from Florida State?
Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, and Nick Chubb are hurt. Derrick Henry is averaging 3.9 yards per carry. Josh Jacobs has been worse, sitting at 3.6 yards per carry. Ezekiel Elliott hasn’t been his usual self either. Dalvin Cook has been head and shoulders better than everyone in the league minus Alvin Kamara and Aaron Jones.
Even when talking about Kamara, Cook has been a yard better in terms of YPC. Kamara also has Latavius Murray to take the load off. Aaron Jones has also been electric and has a better offensive line and Aaron Rodgers to take the pressure off. I’m not sure anybody is carrying his team the way Cook is.
We’re only a quarter of the way through the 2020 season. However, Dalvin Cook looks destined to win the rushing title and is the only thing keeping the Vikings afloat. It’s time to declare Cook as the best current running back in the NFL. Cook deserves a lot more respect than he’s gotten.
