Jerick McKinnon to be change-of-pace RB?

The Minnesota Vikings offense looked absolutely dominant yesterday against the Atlanta Falcons, and it was a show of force akin to their Week 1 blowout win over the St. Louis Rams, except this one was considerably more impressive and seemed less fluky. Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is a beast, and he looked as poised and accurate as ever, leading the offense to some impressive drive. But just as impressive were running backs Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata, with McKinnon looking downright electric (he’s one of the league’s most athletic players) and the plodding Asiata grinding out the tough yards.

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McKinnon is a big-time fantasy waiver wire add following his 135-yard breakout performance, even if Asiata will always hoard the TDs (McKinnon has to hit “home runs” in order to score). But there’s a reason to temper expectations of the former college QB, as the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Matt Vensel tweets that Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer stated that he views McKinnon as more of a change-of-pace back in the offense.

That isn’t a totally unfair proclamation, since McKinnon is ideally a change-of-pace back with his explosive play and pass-catching ability, but the Vikings aren’t in an ideal situation with the far less talented Asiata as their other back. I think making a committee where both of their strengths can be accentuated and their weaknesses mitigated makes sense, but I hope McKinnon, who is truly an exciting player, can make Zimmer use him as an every-down back sooner than next year, which is currently the head coach’s plan.