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ESPN Calls Out Biggest Weakness for Vikings

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Vikngs RB Jordan Mason rushes the ball on TNF
Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) rushes the ball against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings’ regular season is less than 10 weeks away, and when the team gets there, the rushing offense is evidently a concern, according to ESPN. The sports media giants sized up the Vikings’ roster, including strengths and weaknesses, on Monday, and Minnesota’s running backs got the unfortunate nod.

It’s true, too. The Vikings made no significant strides to improve the ground attack, except for using a 6th-Round draft pick on Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne.

Could Demond Claiborne Change the Conversation?

Aaron Jones reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Bears. Vikings running back weakness
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones reacted after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears, adding another highlight to a physical NFC North road matchup. On November 24, 2024, at Soldier Field, Jones celebrated in the second half as Minnesota’s offense found the end zone in Chicago against a division opponent. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images.

ESPN: Vikings’ Roster Weaknesses = RB

Mike Clay made Minnesota’s top roster deficiency quite clear. He wrote, “Biggest weakness: Running back. It was a bit surprising that Minnesota did little to address this position after its running backs finished 30th in both rushing yards and scrimmage yards last season.”

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“Aaron Jones Sr. has been solid throughout his career, but he’s entering his age-31 season and ranked dead last among 65 qualified backs in forced missed tackle rate and elusive rating in 2025, per PFF. Jordan Mason is an effective rusher (career 5.1 YPC) but isn’t a receiving option (28 career receptions). Undersized sixth-rounder Demond Claiborne was the team’s only offseason addition of note.”

On the other hand, Clay called the Vikings’ wide receivers the top roster strength. Perhaps the groups will balance.

The Unit in July

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Without early- or mid-round rookie runners like Jonah Coleman or Mike Washington, who were available to the Vikings in the draft, Minnesota will enter training camp with the group:

  • Aaron Jones
  • Jordan Mason
  • Demond Claiborne
  • Zavier Scott
  • Kejon Owens

Jones and Mason figure to split the RB1 workload — like last year — with Claiborne and Scott battling it out for the RB3 job at training camp and in the preseason. Owens will either make the practice squad or get cut in late August.

In free agency, the Vikings could have explored Travis Etienne (NO), Kenneth Walker III (KC), Rico Dowdle (PIT), Isiah Pacheco (DET), or Kenneth Gainwell (TB) but took the plunge with none, instead re-upping with Jones at a reduced price. He accepted a paycut to stay in Minnesota through the end of 2026.

Jordan Mason warms up before a Vikings game against the Eagles. Vikings running back weakness
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason warmed up before a home matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium, preparing for another Sunday role in Minnesota’s backfield. On October 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, Mason went through pregame work as the Vikings readied for Philadelphia and another physical NFC test. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Other veterans like Najee Harris, Joe Mixon, and Austin Ekeler remain on the open market if injuries rattle Jones or Mason.

The Efficiency Last Year

In 2025, another season when the Vikings publicly announced they would run the ball more, they ranked 15th in Rush EPA and 13th in Rush DVOA. The efficiency passed the test, but Minnesota ranked 19th in rush playcall percentage. In fact, per the DVOA stat, the Vikings ranked 13th-best running the football while calling rush plays the 13th-least.

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Therefore, a fix could be simple: commit to running the ball. It’s just that head coach Kevin O’Connell has been unusually reluctant to embrace the theory, probably because he’s a former quarterback who, when in doubt, dials up pass plays.

Thankfully, the rushing frequency spiked in December last season, and Minnesota won five straight games to close out the year. Perhaps O’Connell learned a lesson that will carry over to 2026.

Claiborne as the Big Hope

Claiborne, nicknamed “Lightning,” isn’t your average rookie running back vying for a roster spot this summer. Beyond the cool nickname, his football profile suggests he could be a game-changer. If Claiborne can inject even a fraction of De’Von Achane’s explosive energy into the Minnesota offense, it could elevate the unit to an entirely new level.

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The comparisons to Achane are well-founded. Claiborne possesses a similar build and a knack for creating explosive plays. Crucially, he now has the opportunity to work with Frank Smith, who coached Achane in Miami for three years. There’s a tangible connection.

Demond Claiborne carries the football against Miami. Vikings running back weakness
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne carried the football against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium, flashing the speed that later made him a Vikings intrigue piece. On November 23, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Claiborne worked through second-quarter action for the Demon Deacons in a late-season ACC road matchup versus Miami. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.

Should the Vikings finally establish a formidable ground game under O’Connell, the impact would be substantial. A dominant running attack would alleviate pressure on the quarterback and punish defenses for overcommitting to Justin Jefferson. The Vikings haven’t employed a dominant running back arguably since 2021 or 2022 when Dalvin Cook was still running wild.

While O’Connell’s play-calling genius is undeniable, he also needs to reveal his ability to construct a winning offense that isn’t solely reliant on the passing game to solve every problem. Claiborne might just be the catalyst that helps him achieve that balance.

Claiborne comps profile somewhere between Achane, Jerick McKinnon, and Nyheim Hines. Fans will begin to get a sense of his style and production in 68 days, when the regular season kicks off.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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Eagles schedule preview: Seahawks – Yahoo Sports

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When and where: Week 15 at home at 5pm on Saturday

Key additions: None

Key subtractions: OC Klint Kubiak, RB Kenneth Walker, S Coby Brant, EDGE Boye Mafe, CB Tariq Woolen

Last season: They won the Super Bowl. Pretty good season.

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The question for this team: How hard will the return to Earth be?

It’s really hard to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Seattle is a well run team and knows this. They probably also know it’s going to be really hard for them to repeat because they took a small beating this offseason, losing two starters in the secondary, their top running back, and their offensive play caller. Those must be painful losses for a defensive coach who has a RUN THE DAMN BALL hat. New OC Brian Fleury is a former RB and TE coach, so at least there should be plenty of running of the damn ball. But their RBs are a guy coming off an ACL tear in January and a rookie who was a backup in college. To replace their losses, the Seahawks signed or traded for…. no one of consequence. The 2025 Seahawks were a very good team, but they weren’t “we can withstand this level of attrition” good.

In their favor for 2026 is that Sam Darnold probably won’t lead the league in turnovers again, right? Right? Maybe not. Darnold’s interception percentage of 2.9% in 2025 was closer to his Jets tenure, where 2.9% was his career best there, than his time as a journeyman, with marks of 3.2, 2,1, 2.2, and 2.2 again with the Panthers, 49ers, and Vikings. Darnold will likely cut down on fumbles, where he led the league with 11, but he might throw a few more interceptions.

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Seattle has gotten him no help. Throughout the 2025 season the Seahawks lacked a decent WR2 behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and they still don’t have one. Rashid Shaheed had just 188 yards in 9 games with Seattle, and his career bests are 59 catches (in 18 games in 2025) and 719 yards (in 2023). Zach Charbonnet, career high 209 touches in 2025 before tearing his ACL, or Jadarian Price, who had 295 career touches in three seasons at Notre Dame behind Jeremiyah Love, are question marks.

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The Seahawks had the third healthiest team in 2025, behind only the Eagles and Patriots in Adjusted Games Lost. Even just an above average season will test their already weakened depth.

Seattle’s scoring improved by over 6 points per game from 2024 to 2025, going from 18th to 3rd. That’s almost certainly coming back down, and that alone could have them in 3rd place in the NFC West and on the road to start the playoffs. If they even make them. 7 of the past 20 Super Bowl teams did not make the playoffs the following year. It’s really hard to make it back to the Super Bowl.

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3 WWE Superstars Who Could Join Dominik Mysterio’s New Faction

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Dominik Mysterio stunned the wrestling world by betraying a major ally in AAA and aligning himself with the El Ojo faction alongside Omos. The move marked another significant chapter in Dominik’s evolution as one of wrestling’s most unpredictable heels, while also raising questions about the long-term future of the group.

Although Dominik remains a member of The Judgment Day in WWE, his latest alliance has fueled speculation that WWE and AAA could further expand the stable with familiar faces from Stamford. Given WWE’s ties with AAA, Triple H has plenty of options if he decides to strengthen Dominik’s new faction.

That said, in this article, we look at three WWE Superstars who could realistically join Dominik Mysterio’s new faction.

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#3. Rusev

Rusev has re-established himself as one of WWE‘s most dangerous heavyweights since returning to the company. The Bulgarian Brute has spent much of 2026 demolishing anyone placed in front of him. Thus, proving that he remains a legitimate powerhouse capable of changing the outcome of any match.

However, despite his impressive performances, Rusev has yet to find a long-term alliance that can elevate him into the main-event picture. Perhaps that is where Dominik Mysterio’s new faction could come into play.

Every successful stable needs an enforcer. Thus, few men fit that role better than Rusev. Although Dominik thrives through manipulation and mind games, The Bulgarian Brute provides the raw destruction necessary to intimidate opponents physically.

Also, the chemistry between the two would create an interesting dynamic. The younger Mysterio rarely wins through overwhelming strength, instead relying on numbers and opportunistic tactics. On the other hand, Rusev enjoys inflicting punishment and doesn’t need shortcuts to dominate.

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Thus, adding The Bulgarian Brute to the faction would give “Dirty” Dom someone capable of protecting him whenever rival babyfaces attempt to even the odds.

Also, it would benefit Rusev. Rather than drifting between singles feuds, he would immediately become one of the group’s central figures. Thus, giving WWE another dominant heel stable capable of competing with the likes of Roman Reigns’ Bloodline.

#2. Ethan Page

Ethan Page has quietly become one of WWE’s most complete performers. His arrogance, confidence, and ability to manipulate situations make him a natural fit alongside Dominik Mysterio. Unlike Rusev, Page wouldn’t simply serve as muscle. Instead, he would become another mastermind capable of helping Dominik execute elaborate schemes both inside and outside the ring.

Recent episodes of RAW have already seen Page working alongside Rusev in tag team competition. Thus, suggesting WWE is comfortable pairing him with other villainous stars. Given this, joining Dominik’s faction would elevate that concept even further.

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Page possesses the charisma to handle microphone duties while “Dirty” Dom continues drawing some of the loudest boos in professional wrestling. Together, they could constantly provoke opponents before relying on the numbers advantage to secure victories.

From a storyline perspective, Ethan’s obsession with proving he’s better than everyone else aligns perfectly with Dominik’s own inflated ego. Rather than competing for leadership, the two could function as equals. Thus, creating a dangerous partnership built around manipulation, arrogance, and calculated aggression.

#1. Ricky Saints could join Dominik Mysterio’s faction

If WWE truly wants Dominik Mysterio’s new faction to become one of its premier heel groups, Ricky Saints may be the perfect final addition.

Saints has all the tools to become a future world champion. He’s charismatic, athletic, and one of the best talkers on WWE programming. However, aligning himself with Dominik Mysterio could accelerate that rise while giving the faction another headline attraction.

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Unlike Rusev and Ethan Page, Saints brings genuine star power as a singles competitor. His confidence naturally complements Dominik’s personality, while his ability to verbally dismantle opponents would make the faction even more entertaining. Together, the pair could dominate promo segments before backing up their words inside the ring.

Another intriguing aspect is Ricky Saints’ versatility. He can wrestle technical matches, high-paced contests, or main-event style encounters. Thus, giving the faction someone capable of challenging for championships across multiple divisions. That flexibility would make Dominik’s alliance far more dangerous than simply being another numbers-based stable.

Also, there is the possibility of internal competition. Ricky has never been portrayed as someone willing to remain in another superstar’s shadow for long. Initially, he could help Dominik Mysterio establish El Ojo as a dominant force across WWE and AAA. However, over time, Saints’ growing popularity and success could create tension within the group. Thus leading to an eventual power struggle.

Those types of internal conflicts have historically produced some of WWE’s most memorable faction storylines.

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Thus, with Dominik continuing to evolve beyond The Judgment Day while simultaneously expanding his influence in AAA through El Ojo, WWE has an opportunity to create one of its most compelling cross-promotional stables yet.