Jerick McKinnon Discussed his role in the Vikings Offense at Camp and I Couldn’t Agree More…

Jerick McKinnon at Vikings Training Camp

purplePTSD.com received it’s first set of press passes for limited dates (August 1st through the 5th) and because of that we had some amazing access to the team and it’s players. One of those players was Jerick McKinnon, who spoke to writers after the last Saturday practice/scrimmage in Mankato. It was after that scrimmage that a very honest Jerrick McKinnon spoke about his role in the upcoming season. When he was asked how he felt the running game was progressing from last years performance he replied:

“it’s got to be better, we were last in the league running the ball last year.”

His candor and honesty seemed very real and refreshing. I would think that everyone would agree that it has to be better this year, but to hear it from a member of last years backfield is much more real. Now I don’t put the blame for last years horrible running game solely on the backs themselves, but the way he spoke it seemed to me that he was taking some of that personally. I also realize that Jerrick will not be the feature in the backfield this year but he is the only returning member from last year.

He then went on to talk about how game one he believes that Murray, Cook and himself will all have specific rolls within the offense. Personally I like the idea of a running back by committee approach, instead of the force feeding of touches to a specific back that we have seen a lot of around here in recent years. Jerrick knows the offense well and should be able to come on and off in many situations, which will help keep Murray fresh for the red zone where he is very productive and dangerous. Utilizing Mckinnon and Murray that way should then allow Cook to not have to rush himself (pun!) into the offense and play every down and situation, which will hopefully keep him fresh and healthy. Unless of course Cook picks up all of the offense perfectly and dazzles immediately, which would not be the worst problem to have.

However it plays out I agree with Mckinnon, it has to be better than last year.

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