Kevin O’Connell Reveals Running Back Vision
The Minnesota Vikings entered the offseason with only two halfbacks (in addition to fullback C.J. Ham) under contract, but Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott can hardly be titled an NFL backfield. A few weeks into the new league year, the club employs a solid duo.
Kevin O’Connell Reveals Running Back Vision
First, Aaron Jones was re-signed after his first season with the organization. He agreed to a two-year deal worth $20 million. Then, in a surprising move, the Vikings traded for 49ers runner Jordan Mason and handed him a two-year contract for $10.5 million.
It is a significant investment, but it was a necessary one, considering the team’s struggles on the ground. Jones was solid in his debut season on the good side of the border battle, but the man needs a wingman. Mason will be that guy.
At the annual league meeting, head coach Kevin O’Connell emphasized that Mason’s presence will help Jones succeed.
“When he has historically had that 1a, 1b backfield structure, he could be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball. So it was always about bringing Aaron back — huge leadership role on our team; really assumed that from Day 1 — but [who] are we going to pair him with?”
Indeed, the Packers usually paired him with either Jamaal Williams or A.J. Dillon, two bigger backs who could take some of the early-down carries from Jones while he could star in his limited touches.
Not every running back is Derrick Henry and can easily swallow 25 carries a game. Jones is a smaller RB and, therefore, can’t or shouldn’t take as many hits, but when he is rested and healthy, few players are as dynamic as he is.
Last year, however, he got banged up a few times and had to be the clear RB1, leading to a career-high in touches despite turning 30 during the season. That resulted in worse efficiency numbers.
Now, Mason will be on his side, and he has proven that he can be a workhorse runner. After mentioning the “great options in the draft” and other free agent candidates, O’Connell praised his new weapon.
“We really felt what we were looking for was right before our very eyes. You know, a heavy slash runner, tough to tackle, gets in space and has burst and explosion to finish runs. And also a guy that probably doesn’t get enough credit in his pass protection and just every-down versatility.”
He also suggested that Mason would be a perfect scheme fit after the newcomer showed his ability to thrive in a “zone run scheme [with] gap complements” with the Niners.
Mason will also provide help in short-yardage situations and goal-to-go plays, two areas that have been quite a disaster ever since O’Connell joined the organization.
“I do think Jordan is going to bring something to the table in those short-yardage situations, those goalline situations, where we really left a lot to be desired as a football team, and that starts with me to make sure we improve in that area because we certainly have improved personnel-wise.”
The running game always depends on the offensive line to make plays, too. In recent years, especially the interior of the front five hasn’t done a good job, but Will Fries and Ryan Kelly should help the team in that area.
To summarize O’Connell’s words, it sounds like he wants to use Jones and Mason in a committee to keep Jones fresh and explosive. Mason will help the team when a powerful back is needed.
Mason’s former head coach, Kyle Shanahan, was also asked about him, and the long-tenured coach didn’t want to part ways with his student, “I didn’t want to let Jordan Mason go. Jordan’s a very, very good player, but it was just with the price with the backfield and where that was going with everything, and having to tender him as a two, knowing he wouldn’t get taken and where that price went. We had to do that financially.”
The new Viking will turn 25 in May. After years of lip service, the Vikings have made some big investments to help the ground game this offseason.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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