3 Stars
Dalvin Cook
Dalvin Cook’s 4.49 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine must have been deceiving because he looked completely dominant in outrunning the Raiders defense on Sunday. Cook finished the day with 110 yards rushing and a touchdown on 16 carries. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry against the Raiders’ defense, while adding four receptions for 33 yards. Mike Zimmer made it a goal to focus the offense around Dalvin Cook this season, and it surely worked against the Raiders on Sunday.
Adam Thielen
From a first glance at the box score, Adam Thielen’s numbers against the Raiders don’t scream impressive. He had just three catches for 55 yards, but his longest catch of the day was 35 yards (and he added two touchdowns, one in the air and one on the ground). It was the manner in which he did it, however, as he made it seem like the Raiders revamped secondary simply had no answer against him.
Everson Griffen
Derek Carr was sacked four times on the day for a total loss of 28 yards. Everson Griffen was a significant part of the Vikings’ pass rush, disrupting the pocket and making Carr feel uncomfortable. Griffen had four solo tackles and two assisted tackles, along with a sack for a loss of seven yards. He made easy work of the Raiders’ offensive line and second-year tackle Kolton Miller in particular.