Despite having lost their last two games, the Minnesota Vikings are still in the running for the playoffs as they enter their Week 13 bye.Unfortunately,
Minnesota’s offense needs work, particularly with regard to the rushing game, before they can hope to make the postseason.
Alexander Mattison was chosen by the Vikings in instead of seasoned running back Dalvin Cook over the summer. The outcomes thus far have been disappointing. Mattison has three fumbles and 158 carries for 594 yards, a meager 3.8 yards per attempt.
Upon completing 12 games, the Vikings (6-6) rank 24th in the NFL with 1,105 total rushing yards, 24th with 3.9 yards per attempt, 26th with touchdowns scored through the air, and 29th with 92.1 rushing yards per game. The Vikings’ 2023 average of 95.7 rushing yards per game is lower than their 2022 average.
QB Joshua Dobbs leads the team in rushing touchdowns with three, despite having only joined the organization on October 31st, the trade deadline. Mattison hasn’t scored any touchdowns on the ground yet. Fortunately, backup RB Ty Chandler offers a potential fix for the team’s rushing problems.
This season, the second-year runner has shown glimpses of promise and might light up the field as a starter. The 5-foot-11, 204-pound player has 168 yards and a rushing touchdown on 37 tries while playing spot duty. He is averaging 4.5 yards per attempt, which is the highest average on the squad, and he has not fumbled once.
Chandler was hailed by Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell in October, who described him as a “nice change-of-pace” back.
The “nice change-of-pace” back, however, requires additional carries. With the bigger Mattison (5-foot-11, 215 pounds) the option on third down and at the goal line, he should play on first and second down.
The quarterback for the remainder of the season will either be rookie Jaren Hall, journeyman Nick Mullens, or previously struggling QB Josh Dobbs. Therefore, having a solid run game is essential.
Mattison is obviously not producing as an every-down back. By giving Chandler the keys, the Vikings stand to gain everything and stand to lose nothing.
