Biggest difference in Vikings’ run game is a simple, yet difficult change and it appears they have achieved it
We know that the Minnesota Vikings’ biggest issues on offense have been on the running game, and those look much better.
Saturday afternoon’s Minnesota Vikings preseason game was a major eye-opener for a multitude of reasons. Their 13-10 win over the New York Giants saw the first-team offense run nine plays for 54 yards under Kyler Murray, netting a field goal in the process.
Within that drive, there was a major focus on the running game. Of the nine plays, six of them were run plays, with Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones carrying the load.
“I think that’s been a huge point of emphasis is we want to run off the football,” said head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Minnesota Vikings run game is improving significantly
When talking about the Vikings’ run game, there are a number of things that needed to be addressed. One of them is the total amount of runs, as the Vikings have been under 44% of plays being on the ground.
The one other aspect is how the offensive line blocks. This year, they are taking a more aggressive approach. New assistant head coach Frank Smith has helped implemented a more diverse run game approach, and we saw it on display Saturday afternoon with the offensive line moving defenders much easier than in the past.
“We want to get into these combinations. We want to play on the other side of the line of
scrimmage. And I thought it showed up,” said O’Connell after the Game.
“It felt like, especially through those first eight plays, we were really kind of sequencing up some things on that first and second level, like you’re talking about, that bode really well for where we want to go as a football team. But it’s massive, and it’s something that we have a total commitment to. And I look forward to seeing it kind of build out from here.”
That difference with the line of scrimmage focuses on one thing: assertiveness. Controlling the line of scrimmage is huge, and it was a big issue under Chris Kuper. If the run game can continue taking this kind of leap that we have been hearing about consistently, that will be a huge aspect in taking the leap on Sundays this year.
