According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Bears put eight or more defenders in the box on five of Dalvin Cook’s 14 carries on Sunday, forcing him to face heavy fronts more frequently than all but six running backs in the league during Week 4.
Cook ran behind a fullback or an extra tight end on 10 of his 14 carries on Sunday. That’s part and parcel to the Vikings’ offense this season, and it’s helped open holes for Cook so far this year. It could, however, invite more defenders into the box, rather than forcing them to defend the run from a wider angle, especially as teams scheme to stop Cook and force the Vikings to throw the ball.
The author thinks if the Vikings don't start making teams pay for stacking the box, they are going to see a lot more of that. The Vikings won't face many fronts like the Bears have, according to the story, but Kirk Cousins and the passing game are going to have to help open things up for Cook - and his fantasy owners.
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