 carries the ball as New York Giants defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (93) pursues during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24188378.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24188378.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button”><figcaption> John Jones-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Minnesota Vikings signed Aaron Jones because Alexander Mattison was terrible as a starting running back. He might have gone under the radar as a free agent signing due to his recent injuries. Through three games, he has been everything Minnesota has needed and then some.</p>
<h4>Aaron Jones Is … Better than Expected</h4>
<p>When the Minnesota Vikings kicked off their season, Aaron Jones finished just six yards shy of the century mark against the <a href=)
lackluster New York Giants. He didn’t find as much running room last week against the San Francisco 49ers, but he still made an impact. Against the Houston Texans in Week 3, he was nothing short of a superstar.
 runs with the ball against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/joneshou.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=706,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/joneshou.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/joneshou.jpg” alt><figcaption> Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>The reality for quite some time has been that Jones is a game-changer when he is healthy. Keeping him as such is something that eluded the Green Bay Packers. So far it has been a point of praise for the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 3 against the Houston Texans, Jones recorded more than 100 yards on the ground and added another 46 through the air.</p>
<p>Sam Darnold <a href=)
has never been put in a situation where he has had legitimate offensive weapons. He has a boatload of them in Minnesota, and he doesn’t have to air the ball out to each of them. Jones can run off the edge, between the tackles, and contribute in the passing game. His 148 total yards on Sunday were evidence of that.
 catches a pass from quarterback Sam Darnold (14) against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24301252.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24301252.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24301252.jpg” alt><figcaption> Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Now, with three games under his belt for his new team, attention turns towards a familiar place. He will return to Green Bay for the first time as a visitor. It seems like he is ready to do so. He is treating it like any other game, but the veteran is obviously <a href=)
well aware of where he came from. The Vikings are too.
Ty Chandler and Jones have combined to create a strong running back room for the Vikings. Kevin O’Connell has created dynamic game plans on a weekly basis because he has been able to put Darnold in situations where he can exploit the opposition in a multitude of scenarios.
 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/aaronjones1.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=650,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/aaronjones1.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/aaronjones1.jpg” alt><figcaption> John Jones-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>How the Vikings win in Week 4 remains to be seen. You can bet that Jones will look to have an impact against his former team. The Houston Texans brought familiar faces and found themselves on the wrong side of the outcome. That won’t be the goal for Jones this time around.</p>
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Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
