Cook helps Kirk Cousins play better
Yes, yes, it’s hard to rationalize paying a ton of money to a running back.
But the Vikings offense runs smoother with Cook in the backfield, especially because of the Vikings’ offensive system.
Pro Football Focus said that Cousins was the top-ranked quarterback in play-action passes and designed roll outs. A system change led to him improving his quarterback passer rating from 99.7 in 2018 to 107.4 in 2019.
Play-action passes are set up by a good running game. If Alexander Mattison or Mike Boone start, then opposing defenses won’t have to load the box to stop Cook. Linebackers won’t bite as hard on play-action. Opponents can force Cousins to have to make plays in order to win.
In 2018, when Cousins dropped back a lot more and Cook played in just 11 games, the Vikings went 8-7-1 and missed the playoffs. Good defenses were mostly able to stifle the Vikings offense, and if Cook isn’t on the field, I could see that happening again.