Will Chicago Bears continue to contain Dalvin Cook?
The Chicago Bears have started to gain a long track record of success against Dalvin Cook
When the Chicago Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings and Dalvin Cook, it will be the fifth time the two have squared off. Cook missed both meetings his rookie year, so each time he has faced Chicago, Matt Nagy has been the head coach.
Still, whether it be the Chuck Pagano, or Vic Fangio coached defense, Cook has struggled to break free against the Bears. To date, he has 64 carries for 182 yards against this defense. He also has just 17 receptions for 70 yards. That is a measly 2.8 yards per carry. I do not need to tell that you most pass catchers gain 70 yards on fewer than 17 receptions. He has been shut down every time he has faced Chicago.
Against non-Chicago opponents, Cook averages over 4.9 yards per carry. That is elite. It just does not happen against the Bears.
When the Bears faced him earlier this season, it is fair to say they were in a more vulnerable spot. The defense had just faced the likes of Alvin Kamara, and Derrick Henry in the previous weeks. They would never admit it, but those two in a row followed by Dalvin Cook was likely a three-game run that took the air out of the defense.
However, since then, the Chicago Bears had a bye week, they faced the Packers and struggled, but have since faced Detroit and Houston who are much easier run games.
Next. Comparing Mitch Trubisky pre and post bye. dark
The Bears run defense should now come into their game against Dalvin Cook more prepared from their first meeting, but also more rested from not banging into Derrick Henry six days prior.
As we approach the fifth meeting between Cook and the Bears, we will see if the Bears can keep him under 100 yards once again.