The Vikings Made a Mistake in the Offseason
The Minnesota Vikings are cruising in playoff contention, sitting in second place in the NFC North behind the juggernaut Lions. An unexpected 8-2 record reveals that the team should be taken seriously, and a deep playoff run can’t be ruled out.
The Vikings Made a Mistake in the Offseason
However, despite the success, some question marks prevent fans and pundits from buying in entirely. For example, the streaky nature of Sam Darnold, who has had some excellent games, but even in those, he made some mind-boggling decisions, and his recklessness with the ball can always tip a game in the opponent’s favor.
It doesn’t help him, though, that the offense is once again relying too much on the passing game. Kevin O’Connell’s offense had the same issue in the last two seasons ‒ in part because the coach favors airing it out, but in part because the rushing game isn’t as efficient as folks hoped when Aaron Jones entered the building in March.
Jones has been a massive upgrade over departed 2023 starter Alexander Mattison, rushing for 692 yards and a pair of touchdowns through ten games. He has also been prominently featured in the passing game, adding 262 yards and another touchdown.
The problem, however, is that he eclipsed 3.1 yards per carry only once in the last four games, as he has clearly taken a step back. Jones has suffered from some minor injuries, and at age 29, those add up at a physical position like running back.
O’Connell is facing a dilemma. He can only give Jones an extensive breather if his backups can replace him to some extent, but neither Ty Chandler nor Cam Akers have that juice.
That leads to the conclusion that the Vikings mishandled the position in the offseason. Jones is one of the oldest starting running backs. Cardinals starter James Conner is 29, too, but the Cardinals supported him by adding rookie Trey Benson in the third round. He has yet to have his breakout but has shown flashes and has been quite effective when given touches.
Derrick Henry is 30 but has the unique ability to be a true old-school workhorse rusher. Still, the Ravens employ last year’s excellent rookie Keaton Mitchell and third-down running back Justice Hill and acquired rookie Rasheen Ali in the fifth round.
That should’ve been Minnesota’s strategy, too. In Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s first two drafts, he selected Ty Chandler (2022) and DeWayne McBride (2023) on day three, and he should’ve continued to take a shot.
Ray Davis (Bills), Isaac Guerendo (49ers), Braelon Allen (Jets), Audric Estime (Broncos), Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Giants) were all drafted on day three and have racked up over or close to 200 rushing yards.
Instead, the Vikings went with Chandler, who the coaching staff didn’t seem to trust last year, and later acquired Akers via trade after his second torn Achilles. Akers was available on the trade market for close to nothing, and he still moved past Chandler on the depth chart.
Neither has been efficient, with Chandler tabulating an average of 3.5 yards per attempt, while Akers’ 3.8 yards per attempt are only slightly better.
Unfortunately, this late in the season, there’s no other option available, so this group will form the backfield for the remainder of the 2024 campaign.
After the season, however, only Chandler is under contract, and he keeps getting demoted by subpar options. Jones and Akers will enter free agency, barring an extension.
Regardless, the Vikings need to invest in the draft. Adofo-Mensah will have a first-rounder and a couple of fifth-rounders. In all likelihood, a third-round compensatory pick will join that arsenal, and some firepower should be spent on a new running back.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt