5 major factors to blame for Panthers loss vs. the Vikings in Week 6

Carolina Panthers had no answer for Dalvin Cook

There’s no denying that Dalvin Cook is one of the best in the business and the Minnesota Vikings are a different team when he’s on the field. The former second-round pick out of Florida State returned to the lineup and didn’t miss a beat to torch the Carolina Panthers, who simply had no answer for his sustained aggression.

Cook set the tone and kept the Vikings moving, especially in the second half. This was especially evident late on as the Panthers’ defense tired, with the player eventually finishing with 140 yards and a touchdown from 29 carries.

How the Panthers could have used their star running back in this one.

With Christian McCaffrey now on the reserve/injured list, Carolina is 0-3 without the All-Pro and the offense just seems to be missing an identity without their face of the franchise.

However, it’s not like the coaching staff haven’t had plenty of experience putting a game plan together in McCaffrey’s absence since Matt Rhule took charge.

Cook was sensational and he was further aided by Minnesota’s imposing run blocking, who had their way with Carolina’s front seven more often than not. If the back can keep this up for the remainder of the season, then the Vikings could be in with a shot at returning to the postseason.

As for the Panthers, this is the second time they’ve come up short against a superb running attack this season.