Minnesota Vikings coaches are still struggling to see if the best back in the NFL can be replaced by a tandem of unknown players who have yet to prove themselves in big spots.
When the Minnesota Vikings lost Adrian Peterson this year, there was a lot of doubt as to who would replace him. Some thought that someone like BenJarvus Green-Ellis could be brought in, or that the team should tank and draft Todd Gurley out of Georgia.
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But the team has a pair of running backs they want to roll with in Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon and so far the results have been leaning more towards positive than negative.
According to Dave Skretta of The Associated Press, Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner is optimistic that Adrian Peterson’s backups can turn in solid performances in his absence. However, he’s undoubtedly unsure of their potential.
"“Every team is different. And some of the guys you’re talking about are No. 1 guys who’ve played or they’re pretty darn talented guys,” Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner said. “That’s what we’re hoping, that we come out of this over the next period and say, ‘Hey, these backs are really good and they really contribute and are doing a good job.’ We need to find that out.”"
This is extremely fair, as while both backs have shown pop, they have their weaknesses. Asiata isn’t an all-sround runner and isn’t a star yet while McKinnon has hyperspace speed but can’t pick up a blitz to save his life.
Peterson’s future is in flux, but the Vikings need to be thinking about the present to see if either of the running backs they have factor into their future or if they should start planning on finding a long-term replacement.
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