Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Randy Moss broadcasts from the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before a game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota’s offense was up-and-down in 2023. The obvious reason for that is Kirk Cousins’ injury; once he couldn’t lead his team anymore, the trio of backups struggled to replicate his success. Kevin O’Connell’s crew ranked 23rd in DVOA and 18th in EPA/play while producing the tenth-most yards and ranking 22nd in points scored.
Randy Moss Identifies Key to Explosive Vikings Offense
Sep 27, 1998; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings (84) Randy Moss in action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports
Randy Moss surely could’ve helped the group. The Hall of Famer was a unique weapon, as barely anyone could match his speed and size. In addition to those athletic tools, he had outstanding hands and the ability to run routes at a high level. He was the total package.
Unlike the Vikings offense in 2023. Before injuries sidelined Cousins and Moss’ successor, Justin Jefferson, the offense still hadn’t been balanced, relying too much on the passing attack. Even when injuries hit, and subpar passers had to play quarterback, the offense was pass-heavy. That, of course, didn’t work.
Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterback Jaren Hall (16) look on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Some of that split can be attributed to O’Connell’s tendency to call passing plays, but another aspect was the inability to run the ball efficiently. Moss thinks this part of the offense must improve. He appeared on Tuesday’s episode of Kay Adams’ show Up & Adams. She asked him whether he thought the unit could put up big numbers despite the potential downgrade at quarterback because he and Cris Carter also produced with changing QBs in Minnesota.
It’s a different era; you have to really understand how the game has changed. To be honest with you, if Kevin O’Connell is able to scheme up some runs to be able to take some pressure off whoever ‒ Sam Darnold, [or J.J. McCarthy] ‒ he has, I think the passing game is going to be elite, but if you don’t have a running game, a running game that defenses will respect to open up the whole offense, that’s what I’m looking at and see what the Vikings can do.
Randy Moss
The running game ranked 27th in DVOA and 25th in EPA/play. Only three teams registered fewer rushing yards.
Oct 29, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) tackles Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) during their football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Wm. Glasheen-USA TODAY Sports
It was a big point of emphasis last offseason, which is why the results were extremely frustrating. However, once again, the Vikings have made changes. Alexander Mattison is out as the RB1, and former Packers runner Aaron Jones will replace him. Considering their track record, Jones should be a considerable upgrade over the departed longtime backup. Ty Chandler showed some explosiveness late in the season and could take some load off the 29-year-old veteran.
At the end of the day, another season without a respectable running game will be blamed on head coach O’Connell, who is calling the plays and building the playbook for the season. He has been unable to scheme an effective rushing attack through two years.
Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell celebrates after Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandlers (32) touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Another big element is the offensive line. The group was much better in 2023 but will also receive criticism if the team can’t move the ball. Perhaps all three parties ‒ O’Connell, the running backs, and the offensive line ‒ must improve their game in the upcoming campaign.
Both quarterbacks, a former third-overall pick who hasn’t played much satisfactory football in his six-year NFL career and a rookie, need the offense to be multidimensional to keep the defense on their heels. The offense needs to be more balanced in 2024.
Editor’s Note: Information from FTNFantasy and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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Publish date : 2024-07-15 23:37:31
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