Chicago Bears: Can they continue to contain Dalvin Cook?

The Chicago Bears have had Dalvin Cook’s number

Dalvin Cook is one of the best running backs in the NFL when he’s healthy. He’s a true franchise running back who can handle every carry in a game. With the way the game is played in 2020, these types of running backs are hard to come by. How will the Chicago Bears fare against him though?

He’s an extremely explosive runner who possesses some power and is a very solid receiving back as well. Cook has dominated the Packers and Lions over the years but for one reason or another, the Bears have done a great job of shutting him down in three games which is what we’re going to take a look at in this article.

Chicago Bears vs Vikings – 11-18-2018

The first time the Chicago Bears played Dalvin Cook was in 2018, which was Cook’s second season. He didn’t get to play the Bears in his rookie year due to an injury. The Bears ended up winning this game 25 to 20 and completely held Cook in check.

Cook rushed the ball nine times for a total of just 12 yards, with seven yards being his longest run of the game. He didn’t do much receiving wise either. He caught all three of his targets but went backward with a total of negative two yards. He also lost a fumble in this game.

It’s safe to say his first game against the Bears was not a success at all. Unfortunately for Cook, neither would his second game later that season.

Chicago Bears @ Vikings – 12-30-2018

Dalvin Cook’s second game was pretty similar to his first game against Chicago. Cook ran the ball 11 times, for 39 yards, and was once again held to no touchdowns. Receiving wise was more of the same, catching four balls, for 21 yards and not much else.

This game was another loss for the Vikings, losing 24 to 10 to the Bears. So far in two games, Cook has gone winless and scoreless against the vaunted Chicago Bears defense.

Chicago Bears vs Vikings – 09-29-2019

Dalvin Cook’s most recent game came in September of last year and was undoubtedly his best game. This isn’t saying too much if we’re being honest here. It was yet another loss where the Vikings only scored six points.

However, Cook was responsible for Minnesota’s lone touchdown on the day. Otherwise, the back couldn’t get much going. He rushed 14 times for only 35 yards, while also reeling in six catches for another 35 yards. Cook did not play in the second meeting versus the Chicago Bears as the Vikings rested players before the playoffs started.

Dalvin Cook is one of the best running backs in the league in my opinion. When he’s healthy he’s a very dominant player but he just can’t seem to do much against the Bears. He is going to get his chance to finally beat the Bears on Monday, and this will certainly be a story that I will be keeping my eye on all week.