Despite losing their starting quarterback mid-season, the 2023 Minnesota Vikings came surprisingly close to making the playoffs. One of the major contributors to them falling short was an inability to run the ball on offense all year. Conversely, the play of their defense was one of the key factors in the Vikings even having a chance to make the playoffs at all.
The Vikings made moves in the off-season to address the lack of a running game, and it should come as no surprise that one of those additions, running back Aaron Jones, is listed by CBS Sports’ NFL analyst Cody Benjamin among the most underrated players in the league entering 2024.
Jones has a long history of being productive in the NFL, notching 1,000+ yards in three of the past five seasons, and also adds an element to the passing game out of the backfield that was missing in the Vikings offense last season. Though he’ll be 30 by the end of the season and does have an injury history, he “retains top-flight speed”, writes Benjamin.
Part of the problem with the running game last season was the lackluster blocking up front. Even if that situation doesn’t improve, Jones should be able to make more of it than any of the Vikings’ running backs last year, including Ty Chandler, who can now provide a nice change-of-pace to Jones rather than be relied upon for the bulk of the carries.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Vikings’ defense remains largely the same, and that’s a good thing. They kept Minnesota in a number of games they really had no business being in last season, and it was largely due to Minnesota’s other underrated stud: Safety Camryn Bynum.
Bynum has blossomed into the perfect safety complement to long-time stalwart Harrison Smith. As Smith reaches the twilight of his career, it’s time for Bynum to step up and take charge of the Vikings’ secondary. He’s done that with his play over the last two seasons, accounting for four interceptions and 15 passes defended.
The range that Bynum has from the safety position really opens up other defenders to play to their strengths. Smith can be more of a factor up towards the line of scrimmage. Josh Metellus can be moved all around the field and be a chess piece in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ defensive scheme. Corners can be more aggressive and take chances, knowing they have a rangey safety covering their back.
With these two commanding presences on each side of the ball, expect the 2024 Vikings to be competitive all year long, even with an uneasy situation at quarterback. They did it last year, don’t be surprised if they do it again this year.