The Vikings built a 20-3 lead in the first half against the Jets on Sunday by staying grounded during two long touchdowns drives, helping to make up for quarterback Kirk Cousins' uncharacteristic inaccuracy that afternoon.
Running backs Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison consistently churned out modest gains — nine of 12 first-half carries netted at least 4 yards — leading to manageable third downs. The playbook remained open for head coach Kevin O'Connell and the throws short for Cousins. When the running game hummed, the offense typically flowed.
"You're not having to hold the ball as long, protect as long," offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. "You can potentially run the ball on a shorter down and distance, and of course the play-action pass, screens, the things you do off the runs are that much better."
The Vikings' big lead — and the rushing efficiency — disappeared in the second half. Reigniting Cook during Sunday's rematch with the Lions at Ford Field could go a long way toward clinching the NFC North.
Cook could be primed for a big finish to the regular season. The Vikings' final five opponents populate the bottom of the run defense rankings, ranging from the 21st-ranked Colts to the 30th-ranked Packers in yards allowed per game. Detroit ranks 28th against the run, which is a bit of a mirage because the Lions haven't hasn't allowed a 100-yard runner since an October bye week.
The run game fared well in the last matchup with Detroit. Cook had 96 rushing yards and a touchdown before going down with a shoulder injury at the end of the third quarter. With a rushing score, Mattison helped the Vikings rally from a 24-14 deficit in the fourth quarter.
"We came out and established ourselves at the line of scrimmage," Cook said. "I thought the O-line did a great job — tight ends, too, of blocking and getting me into space and me just being decisive and hitting holes. ... Looking forward to picking up from that, going in there against a feisty team and physical team and winning the game."
O'Connell got the Vikings offense going again with a play action-heavy drive that put Lions defenders on their heels like during this 6-yard run below.