MINNESOTA VIKINGS’ DESPERATE CALL FOR HELP IN RUN GAME
The Minnesota Vikings’ run game has hit rock bottom, ranking among the worst in the NFL last season. Pro Football Focus (PFF), a renowned football analysis platform, has a solution: sign Derrick Henry, a two-time rushing champion.
According to PFF’s Brad Spielberger, the Vikings’ run game was abysmal in the previous season, averaging a mere 91.3 rushing yards per game and attempting only 23.1 rushes per game. Spielberger suggests that the Vikings may be in the market for a young quarterback, regardless of whether they decide to keep Kirk Cousins. In this context, Henry could be the perfect “buy-low candidate.”
While the Vikings may not typically invest heavily in the running back position, Spielberger believes there is an opportunity to strike a deal with Henry. The star running back’s contract with the Tennessee Titans is set to expire in March, and at the age of 30, he could be available at a discounted price for the Vikings.
With the Vikings’ run game in dire need of improvement, acquiring a player of Henry’s caliber could be the game-changer they desperately need. The Vikings’ front office must act swiftly and decisively to secure Henry’s services before other teams jump in. This could be their chance to turn their run game around and regain their status as a dominant force in the NFL.
Derrick Henry: Is He the Answer for the Minnesota Vikings?
In a surprising move, the Minnesota Vikings decided to part ways with their former star running back, Dalvin Cook. Cook’s performance took a significant decline during his time with the New York Jets, leaving the Vikings in need of a productive replacement. Unfortunately, Alexander Mattison failed to live up to expectations, leaving the team in a bind.
Enter Derrick Henry, a running back who defies the odds. Despite his age and mileage in the NFL, Henry has shown no signs of slowing down. According to PFF’s free agency report, Henry’s usage as a screen receiver has added a new dimension to his game. His ability to gain 3.32 yards after contact per attempt in 2023 is a testament to his skill and durability.
Henry’s performance metrics speak for themselves. He ranks highly in NFL Next Gen’s rushing yards over expected (RYOE), coming in second in total yards after contact and sixth in breakaway percentage. Even when facing eight-man fronts on over a third of his rushing attempts, Henry still managed to average a healthy 4.2 yards per carry.
It’s clear that Henry is a force to be reckoned with on the field. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact makes him one of the toughest backs in the league. With just one missed game in the past two seasons, Henry has proven his durability.
While age may eventually catch up to Henry, the Vikings can alleviate some of the workload by utilizing Ty Chandler as a change of pace back. This strategy would allow Henry to continue his dominance without the burden of handling over 300 carries a season.
Henry’s presence in the backfield would also create a dilemma for opposing defenses. With defenses having to account for Justin Jefferson as well, the Vikings’ offense could become a formidable force.
The fate of Kirk Cousins will play a significant role in the Vikings’ offensive direction. If Cousins is extended, the team may choose to invest heavily in the offense, creating short-term cap space but potentially leading to more dead cap in the future. Alternatively, the team could focus on supporting a rookie quarterback by bolstering the running back position.
PFF projects Henry to earn a two-year, $20 million deal in free agency. This investment could be worthwhile for the Vikings as they look to round out their offense and provide the necessary support for their quarterback.
In conclusion, Derrick Henry could be the answer to the Minnesota Vikings’ running back dilemma. His exceptional performance and durability make him a valuable asset to any team. With the right offensive strategy and supporting cast, the Vikings could become a force to be reckoned with in the league.