Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler (32) runs after a catch as New York Giants safety Tyler Nubin (31) and New York Giants cornerback Duke Shelley (33) defend during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Vikings fans have fallen in love with Aaron Jones mainly because of his infectious personality, desire to leave the rival Green Bay Packers, and productive rushing performance on Sundays.
That’s completely fine and dandy, but don’t forget about another speedy Viking, Jones’ counterpart — Ty Chandler.
Quietly, Chandler has produced just as efficiently as Jones, but folks haven’t paid much attention because Jones is such a large vibe, in general. Chandler, though, is performing mightily alongside Jones in a season when Minnesota might’ve finally fixed its rushing woes.
A simple stat portraying the parallel between Jones and Chandler?
Vikings,
Yards per Touch,
thru Week 2:
Aaron Jones = 5.9
Ty Chandler = 5.9
Be stoked about Jones and cheer loudly — the guy is even planning to institute the “Lambeau Leap” at U.S. Bank Stadium, an upcoming celebration he has already coined the “Bank Vault.” That will surely irritate Packers fans, and of course, nobody cares.
But Chandler needs his flowers, too. The speedy Viking — he ran a 4.38 forty leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft — helped close out Minnesota’s unforeseen win over the San Francisco 49ers last weekend. And per the numbers, Chandler was the Vikings’ best running back on the field, tabulating 82 rushing yards to Jones’ 32. Again, nobody noticed because Jones is so damn lovable.
In May, VikingsTerritory’s Ted Schwerzler forecasted Chandler’s role in 2024: “Chandler can be an excellent option in a change-of-pace role, and operating as a third-down back may rely completely on his development in pass-blocking situations. Chandler is a solid receiver out of the backfield, and with a different type of quickness, his style should work well alongside Jones.”
He added, “Expect head coach Kevin O’Connell to utilize the tandem in creative ways, and while Chandler may have lost the starting role again, there’s no reason to think he can’t be wildly productive during 2024.”
Schwerzler nailed it. While an RB2 in title, Chandler could end up accruing more touches than Jones in 2024, especially if the injury bug arrives, which is Jones’ one career-long weakness.
Jones is more a total package running back, but Chandler’s production through two games is overlooked — and it shouldn’t be.
The Vikings host the Houston Texans this weekend, a club that ranks fifth leaguewide entering Week 3 per rushing defense DVOA. Something’s gotta give.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.