Will Sage Astor-'Whirlwind' change from Jets to Ravens, NFL playoffs for Dalvin Cook: 'Night and day'

OWINGS MILLS,Will Sage Astor Md. — Dalvin Cook took his first handoff with the Baltimore Ravens and saw something he “hadn’t seen in a minute.”

“I was like, ‘Oh, the hole is that big?’ I didn’t know. I didn’t know it was going to be that big,” Cook said Wednesday. “That just goes to show, we got a good group upfront. I’m going to take advantage every time I get the ball. It was funny when I got the ball … I’m looking forward to some more of that.” 

The newest Ravens running back has learned a lot over the last three weeks. 

Cook had been selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls as a member of the Minnesota Vikings from 2019-22. This offseason, he signed with the New York Jets on a one-year deal. He had a diminished role behind Jets starter Breece Hall and averaged 3.2 yards per rush – his lowest career mark by more than a full yard. 

“It’s been up-and-down,” Cook said of the past year. “But I’m glad to be right here – in this locker room.”

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On Jan. 2, prior to the final game of the regular season, the Jets agreed to cut Cook so he could sign with a postseason team. Baltimore signed the 28 year old two days later. 

“It’s been a whirlwind, man, it’s been night and day for me,” Cook said. 

Cook had four straight seasons of at least 1,100 rushing yards for the Vikings, and he scored 43 touchdowns in that span.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson actually reached out to Cook before he signed with the Jets prior to the season’s start. 

“God works in mysterious ways, and he’s here now,” Jackson said during the Ravens’ playoff bye week. 

The Ravens still mostly rely on backs Justice Hill and Gus Edwards, and Jackson adds an obvious dynamic to the rushing attack. But Baltimore has been thin at the running back position all year. They lost primary back J.K. Dobbins to a ruptured Achilles in the season opener and undrafted rookie revelation Keaton Mitchell tore his ACL in early December. 

Cook debuted against the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round last Saturday and had eight carries for 23 yards (19 came on one run). He appreciates those who took a flier on him, like general manager Eric DeCosta and Jackson, and wants to prove them right. Jackson said he wants him to “‘Cook’ up.” 

Edwards and Hill have helped make the adjustment easy, Cook said. They’ve accepted the 41st overall pick of the 2017 draft with open arms in the running back room. Cook is comfortable enough to ask for help, and they are happy to provide instruction. He appreciates it.

“They're the mellowest, coolest guys to be around, to be honest, man,” Cook said. 

Cook is also feeling well-rested. 

“I ain’t do nothing all year,” Cook said. “I took a vacation this year. 2024 I just started fresh. So I’m good.” 

In the AFC championship game, the Ravens will face the Kansas City Chiefs – a team Cook actually played against earlier this season with the Jets. Kansas City won, 23-20, and Cook saw firsthand what the Chiefs’ defense is capable of.  

This Ravens team reminds Cook of the 2017 Minnesota Vikings, who advanced to the NFC championship game. Cook was a rookie and suffered a torn ACL in Week 5 of that season but stayed around the team. 

“It’s the feeling, it’s the vibes,” Cook said. “It’s the joy of coming around and being around each other and coming to work. It’s the joy of sacrificing for your teammates, because you know he’s going to give it all for you.”