EAGAN, Minn. -- A day after Mike Zimmer was dismayed with parts of the Vikings' offensive game plan during a 24-10 loss to the New England Patriots, the Minnesota coach cited a "lack of consistency" as to why the run game faltered on Sunday night.
The Vikings ran the ball 13 times and averaged 7.3 yards per rush. Playing in his fourth straight game after a hamstring injury sidelined him throughout September and October, Dalvin Cook tallied nine rushes for 84 yards, at one point averaging near 10 yards per carry.
But the Vikings elected to abandon the run, in Zimmer's mind, at a critical time.