One stat exemplifies how Minnesota Vikings running game has improved exponentially
The Minnesota Vikings were a disaster running the football last season. They averaged just 91 yards per game in 2023 and have increased it by 40.7% to 128.5 yards per game through two weeks. When the Vikings brought in Aaron Jones and replaced Dalton Risner at left guard with Blake Brandel, it was evident that […]
The Minnesota Vikings were a disaster running the football last season. They averaged just 91 yards per game in 2023 and have increased it by 40.7% to 128.5 yards per game through two weeks.
When the Vikings brought in Aaron Jones and replaced Dalton Risner at left guard with Blake Brandel, it was evident that the running game was going to be a major focus. That has come to fruition already.
Minnesota Vikings run game is getting faster
The Vikings haven't just been more successful in the running game, it's been explosive. Yahoo! Sports' Nate Tice talked about it on the Football 301 podcast and dropped a bonkers stat about how explosive the running game is.
"Runs where the running back reached fifteen miles an hour or more. And this was the big thing about why we had some optimism on this, because Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler have way more juice now. Mattison, they had 30 of those runs total all of last year where running back reached fifteen miles an hour or more. They have thirteen of them already this season. Through two games. 30 all last year, 13 through two games 1/8 of the season we're not even at 1/8 of the season."
If you look at those numbers, it does feel somewhat absurd, but that's what slight personnel changes can do for you. Jones and Chandler are both explosive players but the blocking up front is making a huge difference.
If the Vikings keep this pace up, they will rack up 111 such runs this season. With a shift back to the running game seemingly happening this season, this is something the Vikings can exploit all season.
Sam Darnold’s renaissance season is epitomized by Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell having the utmost confidence in him
We are in for a great season with Darnold
