Vikings running back Aaron Jones is ultra-confident: ‘I’m the best out there’

Aaron Jones sounds like a man eager to prove something. Incredibly eager.

The best thing Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell can do right now is to give his new running back the ball and let him go to work.

“I definitely still got a lot of juice,” Jones said. “When they talk about the best backs in the league, I’m not mentioned in that top five. Honestly, I feel like I’m the best all-around back when it comes to catching out of the backfield, running and protecting.”

The first-year Vikings running back didn’t come across as angry or pretentious in making that declaration. His tone was more matter-of-fact, as if he were reminding me that it was Tuesday afternoon and humid outside. He sounded like somebody who believes in himself, his talent and his ability to help his new employer.

So why did he choose a team that had one of the least productive running games in the NFL in O’Connell’s first two seasons as head coach?

“He said he wants to be balanced this year,” Jones said, “but also, I feel like I’m a receiving back as well. I can do a lot of things out of the backfield. That fits my game as well.”

Jones smiled while also noting the logistics of changing teams for the first time in his eight-year career. The move from Green Bay to Minnesota is an easy drive.

“It’s four hours literally doorstep to doorstep,” he said.

The change in ZIP code could signal a new look for O’Connell’s offense too. That’s the hope, at least.

Jones represents one of the offense’s best assets and is a veteran player extremely motivated to show the Packers and the rest of the league that he’s got plenty left in his body at age 29. It is incumbent on O’Connell to tap into all that Jones brings to create a more well-rounded offense.

The running game should not receive a minor role in the production with Jones in the backfield.

Under O’Connell, the offense has ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing attempts, rushing yards and yards per attempt. The Vikings posted only seven rushing touchdowns last season, tied for league low.

What is unclear is whether that overall deficiency reflected personnel issues, or whether it is O’Connell’s inclination as a play caller to be overly dependent on the passing game.

Dalvin Cook had too many negative runs and inconsistency for O’Connell’s liking in his first season. The team’s decision-makers misjudged Alexander Mattison’s promotion to lead running back last season.

Jones brings an impressive résumé and some fire in his gut after the Packers ended his tenure by signing Josh Jacobs in free agency.

Jones was dazzling late last season after returning from injury. He eclipsed 100 yards rushing in five consecutive games, including two playoff games.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love just secured a massive new contract on the strength of his second-half improvement, but Jones made their offense hum at full efficiency.

“In Green Bay, I wasn’t running the ball 20 times a game,” he said. “I might get 10 to 15 carries. If you can be efficient with those carries, it’s going to open up the whole playbook for run, pass, play-action, everything.”

O’Connell’s offense might never feature a high volume of carries. Jones said he looks more at the value of his carries over volume.

“It’s what you do with the carries and how efficient you can be with the ball in your hands,” he said. “We’ve got weapons all across the field, so you know you’re not going to get the ball every time. You’ve got to be efficient.”

Developing an efficient running game becomes even more paramount this season given their quarterback situation. Whoever earns the starting job — Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy — the best thing for that guy will be the existence of a reliable running game to lessen the pressure.

Everyone will benefit if the version of Jones on display at the end of last season materializes in O’Connell’s scheme.

“When I’m healthy, I feel like I’m the best out there,” Jones said. “Those last five games really helped open up the offense. I hope to bring the same thing and be explosive.”