When the New York Jets signed running back Dalvin Cook this offseason, there were a lot of people excited. Dalvin Cook had been one of the best running backs in the NFL the last few seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, earning a Pro Bowl nod in four consecutive years.

Adding a running back of that caliber to an offense led by Aaron Rodgers was expected to be a great match. However, nothing has gone according to plan for the Jets thus far this season on offense.

Rodgers suffered a torn left Achilles on his fourth play with the Jets. Dalvin Cook has struggled mightily, as this isn’t the same running back we saw the last few seasons with the Vikings. Through two games, the Florida State product has managed only 40 yards on 17 attempts.

The Jets have had to go up against some tough defenses in the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys. But, Dalvin Cook’s performance has been bottom of the barrel through two weeks as he is one of the least efficient running backs in the NFL.

As shared by The Jets Press, Dalvin Cook is near the bottom of multiple advanced stats in 2023. Out of 45 qualified players, he is 41st in rushing grade per PFF and rushing yards over expected. He is 40th in yards per attempt, 36th in yards created after contact and 25th in elusive rating.

Unfortunately, this isn’t something new for the veteran running back. His yards per carry dropped for a third consecutive season in 2022 and his advanced stats were ugly then, too. Per Jonathan Harrison of Sports Illustrated Fan Nation, he finished last season with -21 rush yards over expected and -0.08 rush yards over expected per attempt.

If the Jets want any chance of succeeding with Zach Wilson as their starting quarterback, they need to get their running game going. Breece Hall has looked great in limited action and should be taking over a larger role in this backfield, especially if Dalvin Cook continues to struggle to this level.