Minnesota Vikings: Latavius Murray makes claim to start at running back

The Minnesota Vikings running back situation may be settling down in a quiet fashion.

No Dalvin Cook, no problem as Latavius Murray comes to the rescue for the Minnesota Vikings. Murray’s two-touchdown performance against the New York Jets not only helped the Vikings take over first place in the NFC North, he may have wrested the starting running back job away from Cook.

Murray was a steady hand in the Vikings’ 37-17 romp. He showed patience near the line of scrimmage and lessened the pressure on Kirk Cousins, who was able to produce a fine game as well.

As the struggling Cook sat out for the past two games with a sore hamstring, Murray began putting a stranglehold on the lead duties. What has now taken place for the Vikings is a team which is gelling at the right time.

In the past two weeks Murray has tallied three touchdowns on the ground. It is a team best. Prior to a week ago, the Vikings had not had a running back amassed the 100-yard threshold.

Murray only rushed for 69 yards against the Jets, however, the Vikings were able to show more balance on offense. That will give him a leg up on Cook once the Vikings’ coaching staff further evaluates the running back position in the middle of the week.

Up next for the Vikings are the 5-2 New Orleans Saints. Because Murray is emerging as a threat to run the football the Saints will have to game plan for him. If the Vikings decide to go back to Cook it could ruin the developing chemistry between Murray and the Vikings’ offensive line.

Murray starting at running back for the Vikings would not close the door on Cook. On the contrary. It is conceivable that the Vikings try to employ a two-headed rushing attack once Cook is healthy. As of now, the job appears to be Murray’s to lose.