Aaron Jones Just Might Be a Vikings Star
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings employed a lackluster running back room solely because Alexander Mattison wound up being a huge flop. It took too long for Ty Chandler to take over, and the position left plenty to be desired. Apparently, they needed to land former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones.
Aaron Jones Just Might Be a Vikings Star
When the Green Bay Packers asked Aaron Jones to take a pay cut, he wasn’t having it. Obviously, he is aware of his health history. That being said, he knows how productive he has been when healthy. This offseason, we have heard Jones talk plenty about being ready to go and giving credit to the Vikings training staff.
Then Sunday happened and game action made Jones look like a star.
Carrying the ball 14 times for 94 yards, Jones found the end zone on just his third rush of the game. His legs looked incredibly youthful as he ripped off multiple substantial runs, and his 19-yard tote wound up being the longest of the game. Quarterback Sam Darnold also found Jones twice out of the backfield, and O’Connell clearly appreciated his dual-threat back.
As the year goes on, teams will look to force Sam Darnold into his old ways. That becomes more difficult if the Vikings’ offense doesn’t become one-dimensional. Darnold was exceptional on Sunday, but Jones (and Ty Chandler) were able to change up the Giants’ looks, and New York was never able to key on just one aspect of the offense.
Of course, the name of the game for Jones is healthy. He has to remain on the field and show an ability to get it done on a weekly basis. The Giants aren’t much of a test, but if Jones can parlay the start into success next week against the San Francisco 49ers, it will be incredibly hard to pull the hype train back into the station.
Minnesota has had some great running backs over the years, but O’Connell hasn’t employed any of them while in their prime. Jones would presumably be past that point, but the production this year could suggest otherwise.
A Lambeau Leap in the Meadowlands is how it started. Let’s see how it ends.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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