Aaron Jones Sr. joined elite company on Sunday when he broke 1,000 yards on the season against Seattle. With surpassing 1,000 yards on the ground, Jones Sr. is just the third Viking ever to rush for 1,000 yards in their first season with Minnesota. The other two?
Chester Taylor (1,216 in 2006) and Adrian Peterson (1,341 in 2007). Taylor came over to the Vikings from Baltimore, and then Minnesota drafted Peterson, in which he became one of the greatest backs in football history.
After Alexander Mattison struggled with holding onto the football last season, the Vikings signed Jones Sr. to a one-year deal from rival Green Bay. Jones Sr. was a prominent part of the Packers’ offense, but after the team signed Josh Jacobs and wanted to decrease Jones Sr.’s pay, he walked.
Although he’s had a few fumble issues, having a capable running back has helped the Viking offense drastically. Teams can no longer just gear up against the pass when a player like Jones Sr. is on the field.