Since the Vikings traded up in April’s draft to nab Dalvin Cook, the running back has downplayed the meaning in becoming the heir to a job previously held by a superstar destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Even after Cook’s first NFL touchdown helped lift the Vikings to a 34-17 win Sunday, and even after 97 more rushing yards helped inflate his season total to 288 yards, Cook said he’s spent little time reflecting on a three-week career that has been better than any Vikings rookie running back in franchise history.

His rushing total through three games surpassed the rookie record set by his predecessor, Adrian Peterson, in 2007 when Peterson ran for 271 yards, the beginning of a 1,341-yard season.

“This season, man, it’s been amazing,” Cook said. “I haven’t thought about it really because I just like to win. But it’s been amazing. All these guys have welcomed the rookies to the locker room. I don’t too much care about the statistics, I just like us getting the win.” Related Articles Vikings lose Anthony Barr for game with shoulder injury in second quarter

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For a team that has started two different quarterbacks in three games, Cook’s productivity has been especially helpful.

The Vikings eased Case Keenum into what ended as the best NFL game of his career, helping their quarterback by giving the ball to Cook on eight of their first nine plays.

He punctuated their 75-yard opening drive with the first touchdown of his career, a week after he fell inches short of his first trip to paydirt before CJ Ham finished off that drive.

“It was a good feeling knowing that I got in – and I was in this time,” Cook said. “Coming out and scoring a touchdown in the front of the home crowd was good.”

He iced the game, too, part of his 27 carries for 97 yards, and showed off an all-around game that evaded Peterson, his exceptional running not withstanding.

But Cook helped keep Keenum upright in pass protection and caught five passes for another 72 yards, totaling 168 all-purpose yards.

“If I can’t pass protect, I’m not going to be out there,” Cook said. “I’ve got to protect Case or whoever’s back there. That’s part of my game and I’ve got to get it done.”

In training camp, Cook won a competition with veterans Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon to earn the primary role. Peterson, meanwhile, has been relegated to a backup job with his new team, the New Orleans Saints.

Through three games, Cook is averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

Three games into his Saints career, Peterson is averaging 3.4 yards per carry, totaling 79 rushing yards.

“Dalvin is a really good player,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “He’s got great acceleration and quickness. Does a good job in pass protection, catches the ball well. One of the things that kind of showed up on the last third we hit (was when) he caught the ball. The deal was to stay inbounds, but he kind of looked for somebody to attack. He’s a kid that, I think, is going to continue to get better. You saw some of the tough runs he made today and I thought the offensive line was outstanding today.” Related Articles Vikings lose Anthony Barr for game with shoulder injury in second quarter

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Last season, the Vikings ranked last in the NFL in rushing yards, managing only 1,205, part of the reason the offense was forced to rely on short passes.

But with Cook in the backfield this season, the team has complemented an improved running game with deeper passes including a 45-yard strike to Adam Thielen on the first drive Sunday that helped set up Cook’s touchdown.

“He’s a tremendous back,” Vikings safety Harrison Smith said. “We are lucky to have him. For a rookie, he is extremely composed. He just knows how to do the right things.”