The Minnesota Vikings needed substantial help in the running back room this season. They found it by signing former Green Bay Packers halfback, Aaron Jones . He showed out in his debut on Sunday, and he appears to like his new home.
Minnesota Vikings quickly becoming home for Aaron Jones
Jones joined the Minnesota Vikings after seven years with their top rival . Green Bay and Minnesota clash twice each season, and Jones looks forward to facing the team that let him walk. He has been outspoken about the fit with Minnesota, and that doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon.
ESPN Vikings beat writer Kevin Seifert caught up with Jones following his Week 1 performance, where he raved about everything his new organization has provided him, in all areas, especially with his health. Included, are subtle strays fired at the Packers.
“This was a great way to start my journey with the Vikings…You make this change [going to Minnesota] and they take care of you. When we’re working, we’re working, but they will take care of you.”
Aaron Jones on the Minnesota Vikings (ESPN)
Kevin O’Connell dialed up 14 rushes for Aaron Jones. The running back tallied 94 yards and found the end zone. It was indeed a great start to his Minnesota Vikings career. Jones helped Sam Darnold to keep the offense balanced. As a competent runner capable of performing at a high level, this could be the best rushing attack O’Connell has had as a head coach.
Jones didn’t explicitly suggest that he was unhappy in Green Bay. He did note how well Minnesota takes care of him on and off the field though. He has grown used to jumping in the stands following a touchdown. It’s not called the Lambeau Leap when wearing purple, but he got off the ground in New York on Sunday.
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If things keep going in this direction the rest of the season, it stands to reason that Jones will very much enjoy his time with the Vikings.
Aaron Jones can take care of himself and the Vikings
As much as Aaron Jones appreciates the Minnesota Vikings hospitality, this season will be a two-way street taking care of each other. Injuries are the only thing that have slowed Jones thus far during his career. He is aware of that, and loves what Minnesota is doing to prepare him for action.
“As you get older as an athlete you’ve got to do different things and add things to your regimen to be ready for when you step in…So that’s been huge for me, and I hope to stay healthy all year long and show who I really am, like I was in the last five games [last season].”
Aaron Jones on his health (ESPN)
Seifert notes that Jones came to the Vikings looking for an opportunity to prepare for health rather than respond to it. His new performance coaches had already put that plan in place, and it’s something Jones has called “ pre-practice prep. ” Seifert described it as 30-45 minutes of work that, “provides him an additional warmup and stretch that leaves him better prepared for the exertion of practice and makes it less likely he’ll suffer a soft-tissue injury.”
It remains to be seen what sort of an impact this has over the course of a full season. Obviously with Jones already 29 years old, he is past the typical prime for running backs. He also has more tread on his tires than one would expect at this stage.
Related: Vikings’ Aaron Jones Snubbed as a Top-10 Running Back by NFL Personnel
If the Minnesota Vikings can keep Aaron Jones healthy, they may have gotten the steal of the offseason.
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