MInnesota Vikings: The Running Backs

Today, it’s the running backs.

Running Backs

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Ty Chandler

Zavier Scott

Tre Stewart

Kevin O’Connell is a former quarterback. Coaching quarterbacks is an obvious strength. As a former quarterback, his playcalling often leans into the passing game. Some of that is intentional. Throwing and catching have been established as a team strength. Some of that is out of necessity. Running the ball consistently has been a weakness. 

All three years that he has coached the Vikings, O’Connell has stressed the need to run the ball consistently. It just hasn’t worked. The closest it’s come to working was the first half of last season when Aaron Jones was most healthy and at his best. While he played every game, it was clear that he was wearing down. Despite being 30, the Vikings wanted Jones back and brought him back on a new contract. They also wanted to get him a legitimate running mate. They did that by acquiring Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers. Mason’s tough running should pair nicely with the more explosive Jones. 

Ty Chandler has had some nice moments over his three years with the team. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to turn those scattered moments into consistent playing time. He’ll compete for the RB#3 role. 

Zavier Scott was added to the practice squad after final cuts last season. As a result, no one has seen him in a game in a Vikings uniform. I’ve been curious about him mostly because he played some receiver in college at Maine. Running backs with legitimate receiver ability always intrigue me. 

I expected the Vikings to use a Day 3 pick on a running back. They didn’t but they did sign Tre Stewart as an undrafted free agent. The statistics that he accumulated at itty bitty Limestone College were ridiculous. He moved up in competition a bit when he transferred to Jacksonville State. The statistics he accumulated there were topped only by Ashton Jeanty. Despite entering at the bottom of the depth chart, Stewart should compete with Chandler and Scott for RB#3. 

Improving the offensive line was an offseason emphasis. The Vikings completely rebuilt the interior of the group. It was done to protect J.J. McCarthy. It was also done to improve the running game.