Vikings players talk about Cook’s leadership and playing against the Bears

The Minnesota Vikings held media availability Thursday morning, via Zoom at TCO Performance Center.

***CLICK ON THE VIDEO BOX TO WATCH COOK, COUSINS, JEFFERSON, AND SMITH JR. MEET THE MEDIA***

Vikings running back Dalvin Cook talked about how he can have a big game against a tough Chicago Bears defense, what makes the Bears defense so good, how important a fast start for the Vikings will be on Monday evening, if he felt a personal responsibility to spark the turnaround the past two games, how he feels about leading the NFL in rushing, and what he thinks changed the past two games for the team.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins chatted about the importance of getting Cook going against the Bears, how much a good run game opens up the play-action pass, how big of a difference road games are with no fans, and what has the collective difference been these past two games since the bye week.

Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson discussed Dalvin’s leadership, what it was like the first time they met, how excited he is to be playing Monday night, the biggest difference between college and the NFL, and if he knows about the Vikings past troubles against the Bears.

Finally, Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. spoke about Cook as a leader, how much pride he takes in blocking for Dalvin, how he is making the most of his pass-catching opportunities, and how big of a game the Monday night matchup against the Bears really is for the Vikings.

Smith Jr. didn’t disclose that he is injured. However, he was spotted at practice without a helmet.