Minnesota’s offense looked shaky in Kirk Cousins’ first season with the team, but the Vikings showed signs of improvement the next year.
The team ranked No. 8 in points and No. 6 in rushing yards among all NFL teams in 2019. Kevin Stefanski and company emphasized an offensive system that put Cousins in a role that was more conducive to his success, and the offense won more games because of it.
For 2020, Minnesota will have to keep what works and let young talent fill in and bring something new to the table.
Here are some key factors the team will hope come true:
Dalvin Cook needs to stay healthy
In his short career with the Vikings, Cook has shown he can be successful — when he’s on the field.
Cook finished 2019 with 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns, both of which were career highs. It was also Cook’s healthiest season.
The running back played in all but two regular season games. The last game was against the Bears, where reserves played, so he probably would not have been playing a ton if he was good to go.
He has missed a total of 19 regular season games over three NFL seasons so far. When he’s on the field, the Vikings are able to efficiently run the ball, and when he’s not, the team can struggle to get the offense going. Cook playing for the Vikings consistently is key to helping other aspects of the offense succeed.