Cook Chasing Henry's Lead; Can Pass Peterson & Smith in Vikings Ranks

[Viktor]

Tennessee's position atop the AFC South via tiebreaker over Indianapolis (10-4) makes it unlikely the Titans will rest Henry in Week 17, so all of those factors might be too much for Cook, who has played one fewer game, to overtake him.


There are some impressive rankings in the Vikings record book that Cook can still chase.


Cook's 1,484 yards entering Week 16 are the fifth-most in a Vikings season.


Only Adrian Peterson (three seasons) and Robert Smith (once) have had bigger years on the ground for Minnesota.


Peterson ranks first (2,097 in 2012), second (1,760 in 2008) and fourth (1,485 in 2015). Smith ranks third (1,521 in 2000).


Peterson won the rushing title in each of those seasons and set a Vikings record with 10 100-yard games in 2008 that he matched again in 2012. Smith had eight such performances in 2000.


Cook recorded his eighth of the season, along with his 15th rushing touchdown, which trails only Peterson's 18 in 2009 for the most in a Vikings season.


Vikings Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak has seen plenty during his epic NFL career, including the rushing race between Denver's Terrell Davis and Atlanta's Jamal Anderson in 1998. Kubiak was the Broncos offensive coordinator when Davis rushed for 2,008 yards and Anderson finished second with 1,846 yards for Atlanta.


Davis totaled 1,801 rushing yards by Week 16 that season and carried a lead of 205 yards over Anderson heading into the final two games.