Return of the RB

[purplefaithful]

“Running backs matter; you heard it here first,” said Jones, looking directly into the cameras, flashing his golden smile, and using his best commercial pitch-man voice.

Running backs — and, to be fair, running quarterbacks and jet-sweeping receivers — have mattered more through nine games than at any other point this century.

Teams have combined to average 245.1 yards rushing per game, the highest through nine weeks since 1990. The 4.49 average per carry is the second-highest through nine weeks ever, trailing only 2022 (4.54).

“The NFL gets trendy,” left guard Blake Brandel said. “There’s probably a multitude of reasons why. All I know is I love it. I want to be able to run the rock. We’ve taken that focus into games this year, and it’s been awesome to see.”

The Vikings were born in 1961. Last year was one of their worst rushing efforts ever. Their seven rushing touchdowns tied 1996 and 1962 for the fewest in a non-strike year. Their 393 carries were the seventh fewest. Their 1,553 yards were the eighth fewest.

Enter Jones, a special back the Packers gave up on because he’s set to turn 30 on Dec. 2. He’s breathed speed, power and instincts into what was a lifeless part of Kevin O’Connell’s play-calling.

Through eight games a year ago, the Vikings had 586 yards rushing, a 3.55-yard average per carry and a league-worst 73.3 yards per game. This year, the Vikings have 913 yards on 217 carries to rank 21st in average per carry (4.2) and per game (114.1).

Six NFL teams are averaging more than 150 yards rushing per game: Baltimore (182.6), Philadelphia (174.8), Washington (163.9), San Francisco (159.0), Green Bay (154.8) and Detroit (152.6). The Ravens averaged 191.9 through the entire 2020 season and 204.8 the year before, but only one other team topped 150 yards per game in each of those seasons.

“I feel like every couple of years the game changes just a little bit based off what maybe the defense is giving you,” Jones said.

What defenses are giving offenses right now is an industrial-strength dose of two-high safety looks. Jones, an eight-year veteran, said he’s noticed an increase in quarterbacks checking out of passes and into runs rather than vice versa.


“Things get hot for a few years,” safety Harrison Smith said. “Teams spread you out. Defenses adjust. That opens back up some run options. Defenses will then try to get bigger. Back and forth. Back and forth.”

The Vikings ran the ball 36.7% of the time last season. This year, that number is up to 46.4%. They’d be wise to keep that trending upward at Jacksonville on Sunday. The 2-7 Jaguars gave up 407 yards and four touchdowns on 85 carries (4.8) in losses to the Packers and Eagles the past two weeks.

Jones said he’s ready. And always willing.

“I’ve never had this load before, but it’s something I like,” he said. “I welcome it.”

Jones is playing 64% of the offensive snaps, which would be a career high if he sustains that pace. He played a career-high 62% with the Packers in 2019 — one of only two seasons in which he played every game — and finished with career highs of 285 scrimmage touches for 1,558 yards (5.5) and a league-high 19 touchdowns.

His current pace: 321 touches for 1,721 yards (5.4) and nine touchdowns.

“I don’t know exactly why running the ball [is up], but I’m happy that it is,” Jones said before turning back to the cameras with a smile and that twinkle in his eyes.

Source: Startribune

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Vikings need to monitor Jones' carries and to keep him fresher for the stretch run.

I have a feeling Akers is going to see more carries as the year progresses. He can do it all in the run and pass game, it may prove to be a savvy under the radar type move.

[MaroonBells]

Speaking of running backs, I'd heard about this play (KOC mentioned it) but never actually saw it until this morning. The athleticism it requires to do something like this is mind boggling. Don't try this at home. 

[StickierBuns]

A very good one coming out in next Spring's Draft, Ashton Jeanty. In fact, I really like 3 or 4 RBs next year if Minnesota goes in that direction.

[JimmyinSD]

A very good one coming out in next Spring's Draft, Ashton Jeanty. In fact, I really like 3 or 4 RBs next year if Minnesota goes in that direction.

RB would be a terrible move IMO,  not enough draft capital to be using it on a position so readily available in free agency and the later rounds.  Especially with the glaring needs we have at IOL ( rookie QB waiting in the wings) DL, CB, as well as replacing the Hitman.

I think they need to focus on building an IOL that matches the ability of the OTs.  Kind of a waste of talent and money to have OTs that can block for 4 seconds or more when the IOL is beat in less than 2.

[StickierBuns]

RB would be a terrible move IMO,  not enough draft capital to be using it on a position so readily available in free agency and the later rounds.  Especially with the glaring needs we have at IOL ( rookie QB waiting in the wings) DL, CB, as well as replacing the Hitman.

I think they need to focus on building an IOL that matches the ability of the OTs.  Kind of a waste of talent and money to have OTs that can block for 4 seconds or more when the IOL is beat in less than 2.

Don't disagree at all. BUT.....it might be a BPA scenario for Minnesota if they pick in the mid to late 20s. And that's where a RB might just be too hard to ignore.

[JimmyinSD]

Don't disagree at all. BUT.....it might be a BPA scenario for Minnesota if they pick in the mid to late 20s. And that's where a RB might just be too hard to ignore.

Then im hoping they would trade out.

[purplefaithful]

I would have no issue with a stud rb in the 20's...BUT - as long as they helped fill position need in FA.

We will not upgrade idl, db and iol in one off-season, least I dont think so.

[MaroonBells]

A lot depends on free agency, where the Vikings will have a lot of money to spend to fill their holes, but I'd be pretty surprised if this pick isn't a CB. Maybe a DT...but it's not going to be a RB or IOL.