Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) does a Lambeau Leap with fans following a 31-29 victory against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings’ running game has been inconsistent this season. Aaron Jones was brought in to replace an ineffective Alexander Mattison. After a few weeks, he was paired with Cam Akers to generate additional depth. The result hasn’t been perfect, but it certainly worked in Chicago.
Jones carried the rock 22 times on Sunday and turned in 106 yards on the ground. That was an impressive result in and of itself, but even more so considering the early goal-line stuff and fumble. The yardage total was a season-high, and just the second time he has crossed the century mark this season. Jones put up 102 yards in Week 3 against the Houston Texans, and this team he’ll look to replicate the success.
Following his last 100-yard game this year, Jones turned 22 carries into 93 yards against his former Green Bay Packers team. From there, he struggled against the New York Jets before getting injured in the second half. Against the Arizona Cardinals, Jones has an opportunity to surpass 100 yards in back-to-back weeks.
Jones has made a solid impression during his first season with Minnesota. He has remained on the field, and despite some nicks and bruises, he has been productive when called upon. Last season in Green Bay, Jones ripped off 100-yard games in three consecutive weeks (15-17). In 2022, he had five such performances. If he will achieve that production level in Minnesota, then starting now makes a good deal of sense.
The Cardinals held the Seattle Seahawks to just 65 yards on the ground last week. Kenneth Walker posted 41 yards on 16 carries and couldn’t generate a scamper of more than 14 yards. Jones can put together a more impressive performance, and the Cardinals’ defense has not been known to be a juggernaut against the run.
It’s no coincidence that quarterback Sam Darnold performed exceptionally against the Chicago Bears. With Jones able to make the running game a threat, there was no real opportunity for Darnold to be backed into a corner. The Vikings should consider themselves the better team at kickoff on Sunday against Arizona, but they’ll need to put together a complete performance to emerge victorious.
Another 100-yard performance from Aaron Jones would be great to see. He could do so in back-to-back games for the first time in purple. If that happens, then a victory should be relatively straightforward.
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.