EAGAN, Minn. — Kevin O'Connell's emphasis on a three-letter word was heard loud and clear.
"How I just said it is how I see it," the Vikings head coach said last week. "It's Aaron and Jordan."
O'Connell was referencing Minnesota's backfield tandem of returning starter Aaron Jones, Sr., and veteran newcomer Jordan Mason. He considers them a "combination that will cause a lot of problems."
The former, O'Connell said, can run between the tackles, catch the ball, block in protection and line up anywhere in the formation. O'Connell called both "complete backs," and praised the latter's rapid picking up of pass-pro rules, and cited he has the body (5-foot-11, 223 pounds) to be a physical presence.
So what's the plan for the season? O'Connell wants to keep the duo fresh and in attack mode. He pictures them "playing off of each other" and mentioned them being on the field during the same play.
