Vikings RB Plays Unsung Hero
The Minnesota Vikings needed a total team effort on Sunday to pull out a tough game against the Green Bay Packers. It is difficult to beat a team twice in a season, and it’s even harder to do so when the opponent is quality. When Kevin O’Connell had to have a good running back performance, Cam Akers came through.
Vikings RB Plays Unsung Hero
Each time Aaron Jones faces the Green Bay Packers, he seeks to make his former employer feel his presence. That happened during the first matchup in Green Bay, but his output was muted on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Packers held Jones to just 47 yards on 12 carries. He did catch four passes for another 30 yards, but it certainly wasn’t the Minnesota Vikings running back that would beat them. Jones has had a good year for Kevin O’Connell but has also suffered his share of bumps and bruises.
That seemed to happen on Sunday, with Jones remaining on the sidelines while Cam Akers and Ty Chandler took over. Chandler started games down the stretch a year ago for the Vikings, but at no point did it look like Minnesota wanted to hand him over the reins. He logged five carries on Sunday but produced a paltry seven yards.
On the other hand, Akers has been consistent every time he gets a real run. The Vikings wanted him back to start the year, but he saw a clearer path to playing time with the Houston Texans. Once again, Akers was acquired to supplement Jones and give Minnesota added depth at the position.
Over the years, it has been obvious that Akers can play a prominent role when given an opportunity. He proved that last season when taking over for Alexander Mattison, and he came up huge on Sunday. His six carries for 18 yards weren’t impressive as a whole, but his 16-yard scamper was necessary. When Minnesota needed a conversion, Akers plucked the ball nearly off the turf and turned it in for a first down.
The hope is that Jones will not miss any time and will be back in action on Sunday. That’s an uncertain reality, though, and having a back like Akers who can get the job done is beyond huge.
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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 daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. 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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