Daily Norseman
Hitting the Ground Running
J.J. McCarthy's first media interview, since returning from his torn meniscus, has me thinking about living with a gratitude mindset. No matter what life throws at you, no matter how bleak the future can look, no matter how painful the past can feel, being grateful for the good things will always overcome the bad. For those who don't know me, which is everyone reading this article (with the exception of my brother, Kollin), I am a firm believer that you can manifest anything you want in life. If you want to get to know me, check out my writing contest submission. If you are an OG, you may recognize me as a former Bleacher Report Minnesota Vikings Community Captain, from before they terminated that program.
Whether you keep a gratitude journal, like our franchise quarterback, or simply block out the haters and live your best life, you can rise above all of the negatives to achieve something remarkably profound. Never before in my life have I been as confidently hopeful about the Minnesota Vikings as I am right now. When I daydream, I envision a season of greatness. A roster that is constructed to win any type of game. A team that can POUND THE ROCK. One that is absolutely LOADED with incredible, proven talent; peppered with up-and-coming players with immense upside. When I think about this team, I visit a place that transcends reality. A place where the Vikings’ dynasty begins. To ensure my vision becomes truth, I have started compiling a list of things about the Minnesota Vikings, for which I am grateful.
Reason to be grateful #17: The Running Back Room.
Fun Fact: Jordan Mason is YOUNGER than Ty Chandler. The newly acquired RB, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, who we got a good look at in Week 2 last season, is only 25 years old. Over 12 games last year, he averaged 5.2 yards per carry. The standard for good running back play is 4.0 yards per carry, to put it into perspective. For Minnesota last year, the wily veteran, Aaron Jones, averaged 4.5 yards per carry and was a dangerous weapon in the passing game. This is the first 1A/1B running back situation we have seen since the McKinnon/Murray Monster. Some might make a case for Cook and Mattison, but we saw last year that Mattison is not a starting-caliber running back in the NFL. We have a true one-two punch coming out of the backfield now. That’s exciting, everyone!!!
Speaking of exciting things, after a trade with the 49ers, the Vikings addressed a second glaring weakness, which was overshadowed by the terrible play by the left side of the offensive line, in the final two games last season. The weakness I am referring to is running in the red zone. Perhaps it was a symptom of the problematic offensive line, but it has been a long time since short-yardage rushing situations were a strength of this team. In 17...
