It’s Officially the Jordan Mason Show in Minnesota
When the Minnesota Vikings traded for Jordan Mason, it was clear they had a plan in place. Aaron Jones was back for another season, but expecting him to stay healthy was fool’s gold at best. They got a guy capable of working as the starter, and he began to assume that role even before the veteran incumbent went down.
The Minnesota Vikings turn the running game over to Jordan Mason, and there’s no reason why he can’t produce at an acceptable clip.
Now Jones is on injured reserve and will miss at least four weeks for Minnesota. Cam Akers has been signed to provide depth alongside Zavier Scott. Make no mistake, though, this is and should be the Jordan Mason show.
Jordan Mason Will Take the Rock as RB1
Of course, Mason has been in this position previously. His former employer also toted a running back made of glass in the form of Christian McCaffrey. That reality is what has allowed Mason to flash his abilities and shine as a bellcow in the first place.
Last season with the 49ers, Mason started six games in the absence of McCaffrey. He wound up producing 789 yards on a 5.2 yards per carry average. He has proven capable of both running between the tackles and hitting the edge over the course of his career. While speed may not be his strong suit, he possesses burst and athleticism that are often overlooked.
Working as the Vikings backup, or at least the presumed 1B to Jones when a game starts, he has averaged 49 yards per game through the first two weeks. A healthier offensive line and a more straightforward path to uninterrupted playing time will only grow those numbers. Now it’s on head coach Kevin O’Connell to lean into his role.
Mason directly impacts the abilities of J.J. McCarthy when the youngster is under center. The more Minnesota can help McCarthy find a rhythm with an established running game, the better. That reality won’t happen for a matter of weeks now as McCarthy deals with an ankle injury, but it doesn’t change with Carson Wentz directing the offense either.
It’s more than plausible that Wentz takes over and figures out a way to be a competent driver of the offense. He has played in some massive games and succeeded at a very high level. This is a new environment, but Wentz gets the same skill position players afforded to McCarthy, and the Vikings have already taken their lumps.
If Mason can quickly integrate as the lead rusher and show the same level of production he did while filling in for McCaffrey, then the Vikings offense is going to be in a good spot. We’ll find out where things are on Sunday.
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