What Are the Vikings Doing at Running Back?
There was reason to worry when the Minnesota Vikings lost Aaron Jones halfway through the London game against the New York Jets.
What Are the Vikings Doing at Running Back?
Ty Chandler stepped in, but he hardly looked the part of the player that seemed to develop down the stretch last season. Cam Akers was again acquired, as was last year, but nothing changed.
It’s great that Aaron Jones isn’t feeling the effects of his hip injury to an extent that keeps him out of game action. Even on the short week, Jones was good to go and carried the ball 19 times for 58 yards. It wasn’t one of his better games for Minnesota, but part of that was due to playcalling.
What stood out on Thursday was that Sam Darnold was the only other player to run the football. Neither Ty Chandler nor Cam Akers had a single rushing attempt. In fact, neither running back was targeted in the passing game either. Curiously, there would at least seem to be a plausible role for each of them.
Sure, Akers and Chandler can factor into the Vikings’ special teams game plan, but keeping Jones fresh is a must. Over the course of his career, injuries have been the greatest detractor for the longtime Green Bay Packer. Jones’ dealing with the hip issue following London brought some fear that the Vikings’ offense could become too one-dimensional.
This isn’t a situation like last year when it was clear that Alexander Mattison couldn’t carry the load. Jones is clearly the best runner Minnesota employs, but we saw Akers work well last season and score against the Vikings for Houston earlier this year. Chandler has seemed to take steps backwards, but there is evidence of him being a capable runner as well.
Curiously, Kevin O’Connell wouldn’t at least want to sprinkle in his other running backs. Of course, the Vikings head coach is much more notable as a passing game aficionado, but it isn’t as though Sam Darnold needs to air it out 40 times a game. Against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, it will be interesting to see both backup running backs’ roles.
If there is no room for either to get in the game again, then so be it. Hopefully, Jones’ body can hold up if that’s the plan of attack.
The Good Part Is Upcoming for Vikings
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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