Return of the RB
“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 , 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
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.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
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 wrote:
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.
Why isn't Chuck Foreman in the Hall of Fame?
StickierBuns wrote:
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.
Why isn't Chuck Foreman in the Hall of Fame?
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.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
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.
StickierBuns wrote:
You can watch the impact Saquon Barkley has on Philly.....they aren't nearly as good without him. Minnesota needs a RB for 2025 and a good one. The Giants were idiots for letting Barkley go in his prime, he's got 2-3 strong years left.
Bingo...
And Jones (while he's had a nice little year) is close to being on the wrong side of old rb. I'm not advocating a #1 pick on one, but that is one, thin room and a good rb can make a difference as you say (saw).
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
I'd argue we could really use another young explosive RB that can create for himself.
KOC's offense is always going to lean more pass heavy so it's important to have a RB like Aaron Jones that can turn those 0-1 yd runs into 3-5 yd runs just because he's good at running through contact and getting skinny in the hole.
We have really lacked an explosive, big play runner the last couple seasons. Look at what a difference it makes when you have a RB that can rip off 20+ yd runs.
We don't need to take a RB with our first round pick... but we'll likely trade back unless a can't miss guy is there. Should be some good RBs on Day 2, stronger group this year IMO. I wouldn't be opposed to getting one in a trade back scenario. We have a ton of money to fill holes but I'd rather fill RB in the draft.
Was listening to Greenie this am...
If Barkley was on the Giants? He may have similar statistics as now, but the Giants may have 4 wins with him vs 2 without him.
But you put the dude on the Eagles roster? Makes them a top NFC team, right there with Detroit.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Barkley is elite for sure. But Ekeler had some juice last night too. I thought we should look at him in the offseason but I was pumped about Jones too. If the Commanders cut Ekeler (he's due $5M next year), I still think he'd be a good fit here as a pass catching back. Especially for a rookie QB.
I'd love to draft RB even more, but much like last year I don't think we have the picks to do it.
pattersaur wrote:
Barkley is elite for sure. But Ekeler had some juice last night too. I thought we should look at him in the offseason but I was pumped about Jones too. If the Commanders cut Ekeler (he's due $5M next year), I still think he'd be a good fit here as a pass catching back. Especially for a rookie QB.I'd love to draft RB even more, but much like last year I don't think we have the picks to do it.
LOVE Ekeler...All around back.
Daniels looked like a rookie last night. Credit Philly D - they will be a handful in postseason for anyone.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Here's what is a statistical oddity: Right now, Aaron Jones has almost identical season stats through 9 games as he had all of last season with the Packers.
2023 142 ATT
2024 142 ATT
2023 653 YDS
2024 656 YDS
2023 4.6 AVG
2024 4.6 AVG
2023 2 TD
2024 2 TD
2023 30 REC
2024 28 REC
He has had three previous seasons over 1,000 yards rushing: 2019, 2020 and 2022. He is currently on track (if he can stay healthy) for 321 touches for 1,721 yards (5.4) and nine touchdowns.
His best years for receptions were 2022 (59), 2021 (52), 2019 (49), and 2020 (47). At his current pace, he would hit 52 this year.
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