Questions Answered: “Run-First” Over, Dantzler with a Breakout, Odd Man out at RB
The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by PurplePTSD. Today is the June 24th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].
Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.
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Q: With “run-first” by the Vikings officially over, what specific changes do you expect from the Vikings offense?
A: We agree that “run-first” is deceased and on the ash heap of Zimmerian tendencies.
Specifically, expect these changes:
- A lower overall run-play percentage
- Fewer runs on 1st and 10
- Fewer run plays on 2nd and long
- More utilization of RBs as WRs
- Less running the ball into the middle of the line of scrimmage
- More targets to WRs
Those strategies are the mark of a 1990s offense, and the Kevin O’Connell-led Vikings shouldn’t resemble 1990s anything.
Q: PFF tabbed Cameron Dantzler as a 2022 breakout candidate. Thoughts?
We rely on numbers, so we believe Dantzler has already broken out. Of course, becoming a household name would sweeten the deal for the cornerback, but his resume in Years One and Two is already worthy of recognition.
Dantzler scored a 70.9 from Pro Football Focus in 2020, his rookie season. He followed it up with a 73.8 grade in 2021. Dantzler is already good. The only reason he isn’t established as a big-name corner is that the former coach plopped in a doghouse to start 2021.
All Dantzler must do is continue his maturation. He’s on track already and doesn’t need a formal “breakout.”
Q: Assuming the Vikings don’t keep five RBs and FBs on the roster, who is the odd man out?
A: Dalvin Cook and Kene Nwangwu are the safe candidates in the RB room.
And unless the Vikings keep five RBs and FBs, someone won’t make the team that will surprise the masses. Through the process of elimination, that’s either Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler, or C.J. Ham.
We’ll predict Mattison doesn’t make the team. Or if he does, that would mean Chandler goes to the practice squad for a year. Also remember — Chandler is older than Mattison, even though Mattison has played in the NFL for three years.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
