The running game for the Minnesota Vikings was flat-out abysmal in 2023. They were 29th in rushing yards per game while being tied for last in rushing touchdowns with a paltry seven. Their starting running back Alexander Mattison had a whopping zero rushing touchdowns, which caused them to move on this past offseason.
With the NFL Draft class weaker at the running back position, the Vikings decided to pursue the position heavily in free agency and struck a deal with former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones on a one-year contract worth up to $7 million. It's structured so that the Vikings could extend Jones easily if he thrives with the Vikings.
Aaron Jones is in a great situation with the Minnesota Vikings
Coming to Minnesota is an interesting move for Jones. They will be relying on him a lot to elevate the running game and there is a path to making that happen.
Matt Hamilton from the Kay Adams Show highlighted just that and it revolves around light boxes.
"If you look at the construction of the offense with Jefferson and Addison, they're not going to see a lot of teams loading up to stop the run against them. They didn't last year but they were one of the least efficient teams running against lighter boxes. And that's where Aaron Jones thrives. Check this out. Since 2019, only Nick Chubb and Jonathan Taylor have averaged more yards per rush against six and seven man boxes than Aaron Jones. He absolutely goes off when he has some space to work with because of his combination of vision, speed, and power."
The element of lighter boxes is very intriguing for Jones and the Vikings. Now, will defense feel comfortable with lighter boxes knowing the presence of Jones is there along with no T.J. Hockenson and a new quarterback? I think it's a little too early to say defenses will use lighter boxes with the same amount of frequency with those factors.
However, once Sam Darnold (theoretically) gets into a groove and Hockenson returns, this could be a major storyline for the Vikings moving forward. Having a potent passing attack along with an improved running game could make the Vikings a force offensively.
