In a bold move, the Minnesota Vikings revamped their running back room by adding star player Aaron Jones to the mix. This acquisition has left fans and analysts alike wondering how this move will impact the team’s ground game going forward.
Looking back at the 2023 season, the Vikings struggled in the rushing department, ranking 24th in yards per carry, 25th in rushing EPA, and 29th in rushing yards per game. Multiple running backs were cycled through the lineup, but none could solidify their role due to various reasons. Adding to the challenges, quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, putting even more pressure on the already struggling run game. ESPN analytics highlighted that the Vikings’ offensive line was only average in run-blocking, failing to compensate for the team’s overall deficiencies.
With the realization that improvements were needed, the Vikings made the tough decision to part ways with veteran Alexander Mattison. In his place, they brought in Aaron Jones, a proven star running back who is set to provide the team with a much-needed rushing threat. This move injects new life into the Vikings’ running back stable, which consists of talented but unproven players.
After being released by his former team, Aaron Jones wasted no time in joining the Vikings, adding to the ongoing saga of inter-divisional signings between rivals. Jones’s impact on the Green Bay Packers was evident during his return from injury in weeks 15 to 18. His stellar performances helped elevate the Packers to third in rushing EPA and first in EPA per play, culminating in a decisive wild-card round victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Jones’s arrival significantly raises the potential of the Vikings’ run game, providing stability and support for the quarterbacks on the roster.
Although Jones has had some injury concerns in the past, his addition to the team is expected to be a game-changer for the Vikings in the upcoming season. His presence will likely lead to a committee-based approach in the backfield, rather than a bell-cow workload. Still, Jones’s impact is projected to be substantial, even with limited carries.
As the Vikings gear up for training camp, all eyes are on the running backs as they compete for roles within the team. The struggles faced by the run game in the previous season have created an opportunity for players like Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu to step up and make their mark.
Chandler, who showcased his potential with a breakout game against the Cincinnati Bengals, will be looking to build on that performance. Nwangwu, primarily known for his skills as a return specialist, faces a make-or-break preseason as he aims to secure offensive snaps. Despite his dynamic abilities on special teams, Nwangwu will need to demonstrate growth as a running back to earn a place in the rotation.
Joining the mix is Myles Gaskin, a player who has experienced a whirlwind journey in the NFL. After productive seasons in Miami, Gaskin found himself bouncing between different teams in 2023. Now back in Minnesota, Gaskin is looking to carve out a role in the Vikings’ running back rotation. His versatility and experience make him a valuable asset as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
With so much talent and potential in the running back room, the Vikings are poised for an exciting training camp as players compete for roster spots and playing time. The addition of Aaron Jones has set the stage for a competitive and dynamic backfield, offering hope for a more effective ground game in the 2024 season.
