Jordan Mason Stole the Show
This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings acquired Jordan Mason in a trade. That happened after they re-signed Aaron Jones, but it was a huge move to hedge the bet on a running back that has often been injured.
Jordan Mason stepped into the bellcow back role for the Minnesota Vikings and immediately performed as expected in Aaron Jones’ absence.
Not shockingly, it didn’t take long for Jones to need time on the shelf. After he played in all 17 games last regular season, it was highly-unlikely that Jones was going to stay healthy for the entire duration of the second straight year. That meant Mason was going to get his opportunity.
The Vikings’ New Weapon = Jordan Mason
The Vikings had already started to give Mason extended run in Week 2. He showed the ability to be the bruiser and run between the tackles. As the offensive line continues to get healthier, that should only continue. With Christian Darrisaw back up front in Week 3, and Mason as the unquestioned top back, it was evident that he could make a difference.
In total, Mason carried the rock 16 times on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a 48-10 blowout, so his usage wasn’t necessarily what it could have been expected to be. However, on those 16 runs, Mason tallied 116 yards and a career-high two touchdowns.
A week after the Minnesota Vikings watched Bijan Robinson run all over them, they saw Mason accomplish that same feat against their opponent. He was consistently pointed towards the left side, and he saw plenty of holes open through the middle with Darrisaw drawing extra attention as well.
With Jones sidelined, it was Mason who needed to carry the load, and he absolutely did that. Zavier Scott provided nice burst on his eight rushes for 30 yards, and Cam Akers got five carries in his first week back with Minnesota.
It will be interesting to see how Mason follows up this performance next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones will be out for a minimum of four weeks, which gives the new bellcow time to settle in and establish himself within the role.
Starting isn’t new to Mason. He backed up Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, and he, too, was an oft-injured running back. Mason has been tested early in his career and risen to the occasion. Minnesota bet on that staying true, and they’ll need it to go forward.
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