Analysis

8/14/23

2 min read

Dalvin Cook Is 'Plug-and-Play' Fit for New York Jets

By Andy Benoit

Head of Football Analysis
Running back Dalvin Cook

With news that Dalvin Cook agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Jets worth a maximum of $8.6 million, The 33rd Team's head of football analysis, Andy Benoit, gives his initial thoughts on the deal.

Benoit explains how Cook's style fits with the Jets' offensive philosophies and breaks down exactly what the six-year veteran running back has to offer a modern NFL offense. 

Instant Offense

This is a plug-and-play scenario.

Cook does not change the dynamic of New York’s offense — or even just its rushing attack — he adds to it. New offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will be heavy on inside zone runs, partly because those often come with the RPO (run-pass option) concepts that Aaron Rodgers executes so well. Hackett also features wide zone runs at around the league average (six to seven times per game). Both zone running designs fit Cook well.

Dual-Threat Dalvin

It'll be interesting to see how much Cook contributes to the passing game.

During Rodgers' and Hackett's time with the Green Bay Packers, RB Aaron Jones aligned at various receiver locations as often as any back in the league. At times, Green Bay did this out of a “21-pony” package (2 RB, 1 TE, 2 WR). That package is becoming increasingly popular because it forces defenses to decide whether to play base against it or nickel.

Most teams choose nickel and hope their run defense holds up. The Jets will have a viable pony package by putting Breece Hall or Michael Carter on the field with Cook. In the Minnesota Vikings' epic comeback against the Indianapolis Colts last season, Cook had a 64-yard catch on a wide receiver screen out of an empty backfield formation.

It’s a brilliant tactic because it gives your top runner the ball on the perimeter and in space. Instead of linebackers trying to tackle him, it’s cornerbacks. Cook should expect those kinds of touches in New York occasionally. 

But, in the big picture, this move was about adding a quality, all-around base runner to what is now a strong trio of backs.

Andy Benoit worked for Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams coaching staff from 2020 through 2022. Before that, he was a football analyst, writer and content producer for Peter King’s MMQB at Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports and The New York Times. You can follow him on Twitter @Andy_Benoit.

Tags: Aaron Rodgers, Breece Hall, Dalvin Cook See More

Andy Benoit

Head of Football Analysis

Prior to joining The 33rd Team as an NFL analyst, Benoit worked for Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams coaching staff from 2020 through 2022. Before that he was a football analyst, writer and content producer for Peter King's MMQB at Sports Illustrated (2013-2019), as well as at CBS Sports (2010-11) and The New York Times (2010-2013).

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