Led by Dalvin Cook, the Vikings dominated the first half of Thursday night’s game against the visiting Steelers. Cook scored two first-half touchdowns as Minnesota took a 23-0 lead into intermission.
Both teams missed field goals after moving the ball on their opening drives. But the Vikings cashed in on their next three drives that included touchdowns by Cook and receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson’s 14-yard touchdown catch opened the scoring. Cook’s 29-yard touchdown run stretched the Vikings’ lead to 16-0 with less than 10 minutes left in the first half. Cook, who is playing despite having dislocated his left shoulder 11 days ago, increased Minnesota’s lead to 23-0 on his 7-yard touchdown run with 2:20 left until halftime. Cook gashed the Steelers to the tune of 153 yards on just 14 carries during the game’s first 30 minutes. Cook accounted for more than half of Minnesota’s 300 total yards during the first half.
Cook’s monster night has been complemented by the Vikings’ extremely aggressive defense, led by hard-hitting safety Harrison Smith. Minnesota’s defense bewildered a Pittsburgh offense that gained just 66 yards on 26 plays during the first half. The Vikings’ defense recorded four sacks of Ben Roethlisberger while holding Najee Harris to just 17 yards on seven carries.
Which team will come out on top tonight? Check out our live blog below to find out. We’ll also provide updates, highlights and analysis throughout the contest.