National outlet believes Vikings player will breakout in 2023
The Minnesota Vikings are officially going to have to adjust in life without Dalvin Cook. The Vikings star running back was released on Friday, paving the way for Alexander Mattison to fill the void Cook leaves behind. Mattison, who re-signed on a two-year deal this offseason, has shown signs that he is capable of picking […]
The Minnesota Vikings are officially going to have to adjust in life without Dalvin Cook. The Vikings star running back was released on Friday, paving the way for Alexander Mattison to fill the void Cook leaves behind.
Mattison, who re-signed on a two-year deal this offseason, has shown signs that he is capable of picking up where Cook left off in his first four seasons with the Vikes. As one of the NFL’s top backups over the last few years transitions into a three-down starter, many are predicting a breakout season from the 2019 third rounder.
Mattison has totaled 1,670 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns on 404 career carries. He’s also compiled 70 receptions for 526 yards and three scores, proving he is a true dual threat out of the backfield.
The Vikings’ offense has been one of the NFL’s top units since Kirk Cousins took over as quarterback in 2018. However, Minnesota needs a massive season from Mattison in order to win back-to-back NFC North titles.
In a recent article from 33rd Team, Mattison was pegged as one of the NFL’s breakout candidates ahead of the 2023 season.
From 33rd Team: "Mattison re-signed this offseason on a two-year, $7 million contract and has filled in for Cook in the past. In five starts in 2021, he had 107 carries for 451 yards and added 22 receptions for 212 yards with five total touchdowns. This season will be the first time in Mattison’s career he’ll have the same play caller (Kevin O’Connell) and offensive coordinator (Wes Phillips) for consecutive seasons.
O’Connell confirmed how high they are on Mattison last month when he told reporters: “It’s been really good to see Alex take a few more reps and really show that all three-down kinda ownership that he’s been capable of for a long time.”
If Mattison can continue to improve in an increased role the Vikings should finish the 2023 season as a top-10 offense in the league. Mattison has plenty to prove in a pivotal year in his career, but he must perform at a high level in order to reach the high bar that Cook has set in Minnesota.
Featured image via Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
