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49ers: 3 Vikings players Niners must stop in NFC divisional round

By Nathan Bannerman

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 20: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings plays against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 20, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 20: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings plays against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 20, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Vikings Dalvin Cook
Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Stopping Vikings running back Dalvin Cook will be crucial if San Francisco wants to advance to the next round.

The San Francisco 49ers rush defense has somewhat improved throughout the season. They aren’t the best, but certainly are not the worst. Just middle of the pack. When you look at the Vikings defense, this could be an advantage for the 49ers.

However, they’re facing a running back who isn’t afraid to run through a brick wall.

Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is in the midst of the best season of his young career. The Florida State product amassed his first 1,000 rushing yard season with a total of 1,135, with his longest run of the season being 75 yards.

He also rushed for 13 touchdowns. Cook averaged 4.5 yards per carry. That might pose a problem for the 49ers, which give up 4.5 yards per attempt.

Cook is a back who can not only run forever, but he has great hands. You’ll see in this highlight package just how valuable he is:

Through the air this season, he caught 53 passes for 519 yards. He averages just under 10 yards per catch.

All levels of the Niners defense will need to be aware where Cook is on the field. The rush defense will have to contain Cook inside to allow the linebackers a chance to rally if need be.

The secondary should have an eye on Cook as well, because if he fakes a block and becomes a receiver, his speed will be on full display.

Next. 5 Niner players who must prove themselves in NFC divisional round. dark

This NFC divisional game will be a big test for the San Francisco 49ers. But, as we’ve seen throughout the season, they’re always ready to step up when the stakes get higher.

Kickoff is 1:35pm pacific time on Saturday.