Should Mason be RB1?

Agreed...Start out as is, see what the season brings. RB's go through so much wear/tear during the year.

By all metrics Mason is the better running back. But he did that with less carries throughout the year. My bold take is they really go 50/50 and its RBBC. Both are very good backs. You limit their wear and tear and keep them more fresh each game. Could be the best of both worlds. That is how other teams are doing it, multiple good backs in waves.

I guess, what’s RB1? A label? The guy who gets more touches? The guy who starts the game?

Regardless, I think last year, we overused Jones in situations where we didn’t need to and this year we should do better at keeping both guys fresh, although Mason has younger legs. I think Jones has earned the right to be “the starter”. I think throughout the course of the game, they should probably be pretty close to 50-50 in terms of snaps, and give Mason more snaps when the game is out of hand and you’re just grinding on the defense.

medaille wrote:
I guess, what’s RB1?  A label?  The guy who gets more touches?  The guy who starts the game?

Regardless, I think last year, we overused Jones in situations where we didn’t need to and this year we should do better at keeping both guys fresh, although Mason has younger legs.  I think Jones has earned the right to be “the starter”.  I think throughout the course of the game, they should probably be pretty close to 50-50 in terms of snaps, and give Mason more snaps when the game is out of hand and you’re just grinding on the defense.

hell if the game is out of hand... use RB3.  I think the split needs to be 40-40-20,  or maybe 45-45-10,  5-10 less snaps a game doesnt seem like much, but thats about 2 games at the end of the year.

StickierBuns wrote:
The run game is going to be a strength of the team this year. Giddy up.

I won't believe it until I see it, but I genuinely hope you're right.

medaille wrote:
I guess, what’s RB1?  A label?  The guy who gets more touches?  The guy who starts the game?

Its the guy that gets the bigger bag ;)

I think that stretch where Jones was fumbling all the time? Dinged-up and he was getting worn-down too. They over-used him imo.

I read a stat (somewhere) that Jones hit over 20mph on a run earlier in the season and that was it for the year, where he broke loose with that zip.

Neither of these guys are field tilters (Jones used to be). They're both more bruisers. I'd put em a step above a L.Hoard though.

If he outplays Aaron Jones in training camp, yes.

Tackling a 225 lb ,one cut, north south runne is completely different than defending a RB that is slippery, can get outside....

KOC will exploit matchups.

Mason and Jones have entirely different skills, KOC will exploit that.

The Vikings screen game is gonna be lethal.

StickierBuns wrote:

Two things I think I think: JJM is the real deal and the Viking's running game will be much improved in 2025.

I completely agree that the run game will be improved, but I am also of the mindset that KOC just plain will never run the ball all that much, regardless of the RB. He has shown us every single season. 
Jones & Mason should be great relief for JJM, but I think KOC will still make the offense pass heavy, regardless. It’s in his DNA. Also, there is no film on JJM. The passing game will keep opposing defenses on their toes/heels

Interesting take Skol. It’s right that KOC will show this apparent commitment to the run game. The phatties up front will love it if he commits, and balance will keep pressure of JJM. it’s all lined up we shall see.

As far as RB1? it’s Jones no doubt. People forget how great a receiver and pass blocker he is. I hope he they split it evenly, but if JM can’t pass block it will be heavy jones.

SkolVikings44 wrote:

I completely agree that the run game will be improved, but I am also of the mindset that KOC just plain will never run the ball all that much, regardless of the RB. He has shown us every single season. 
Jones & Mason should be great relief for JJM, but I think KOC will still make the offense pass heavy, regardless. It’s in his DNA. Also, there is no film on JJM. The passing game will keep opposing defenses on their toes/heels

No film. An under-considered benefit of young JJ. It's not unusual for rookies to play better than they really are due to the simple fact that no one has seen them play before. I think Mac Jones, Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott are QBs for whom this was true. So much of the game rides on film. Tendencies, tells, situational preferences, audibles. And there will be none of that. We could really benefit. 

And then....what if JJ is actually good?

MaroonBells wrote:

No film. An under-considered benefit of young JJ. It's not unusual for rookies to play better than they really are due to the simple fact that no one has seen them play before. I think Mac Jones, Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott are QBs for whom this was true. So much of the game rides on film. Tendencies, tells, situational preferences, audibles. And there will be none of that. We could really benefit. 

And then....what if JJ is actually good?

Agreed. I think that absolutely helped Daniels last year too. 

This is why you really dont get a sense of floor/ceiling on these guys until you're heading into S3...

I think injuries (both major and minor) are going to dictate RB1 vs RB2.
Remember, Mason got put in IR after game 13 last season and was out for the rest of the season.
Last year was the first season since 2019 that Jones did not miss a game. And when Cam Akers or Ty Chandler did spell Jones, they were not in the same class. Akers did occasionally flash. I believe Chandler is gone or at best on Practice Squad.

Over the course of this season, I believe they will be RB1a and RB1b.

One thing not mentioned is that I think the running game will see a boost due to JJM. I think he'll add a rushing threat from the QB position we haven't seen in a long time. Obviously not like an elite rushing QB, but young guys might only make it through a fraction of their reads before deciding that rushing is the best option and JJM is surprisingly slippery.