Vikings’ Run Game Faces Major Scheme Shift as Frank Smith Brings Wide-Zone Influence

The Minnesota Vikings expect to win their fourth season-opener in five years under Kevin O’Connell on Sunday. They’ll face the Green Bay Packers, who dominated the Vikings 23-6 the last time the two teams met in a competitive outing.

Moreover, expectations are high internally for the Vikings. Yet, many of the franchise’s biggest offseason bets remain unproven. They’ll probably have fewer better options to test the new arrivals than a tie against their fiercest division rival in Week 1. If those bets pay off, the Vikings’ fans have more reasons to anticipate a good season. Otherwise, the emergence of warning signs on Sunday might indicate a fresh reason for concern. In the meantime, all eyes are on new assistant coach Frank Smith, whose experience could help reshape the team’s running scheme in the new season.

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Frank Smith’s Introduction to the Vikings’ Coaching Crew Builds Anticipations for New Offensive Scheme

The Vikings made significant overhauls this offseason in what appears as a renewed emphasis on the run game. The franchise ran more than they passed in four of their last five games of the 2025 season, demonstrating a new priority. Meanwhile, reports from the squad show they want to build on their last five games (of which the Vikings lost none). They’ve now hired former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as assistant head coach, whose experience with the “wide-zone” running scheme could help balance the squad’s offense. ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently addressed this expectation.

“Expect the Vikings to implement more wide-zone concepts this season as they work to make their running game a more reliable and integral part of their offense.”

Still on the franchise’s offseason signing, the Vikings drafted fullback Max Bredeson and signed Jauan Jennings, popularly called one of the league’s top blocking receivers. These offseason moves undoubtedly signal change, especially considering that the squad’s starting offense ran six times for 44 yards in one preseason drive.

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Then you have veterans like Kyler Murray, who signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal in March. While the former No. 1 overall pick hadn’t been able to replicate his early-career success recently in Arizona, he still possesses more physical talent than most active quarterbacks today. Pairing him alongside Kevin O’Connell and Justin Jefferson should help resurrect Murray’s career.

Yet there remains a concern that his style of play won’t mesh with O’Connell’s offense. The unit experienced a philosophical shift during the offseason to accommodate Murray. But it’s clear the Vikings’ offense operates best with quarterbacks who can leverage defenses with play action from under center. Add all that to the reality of Murray’s 5-foot-10 placement, which nearly impairs his chances of succeeding at some unique quarterback situations.

On the coaching front, Keith Carter was promoted to head offensive line coach as the franchise looks to adopt a more aggressive approach up front. With the multiple offensive pieces and administrative professionals in place, all eyes are on the Vikings’ Sunday clash to see what Smith and the rest of the technical team bring out of the Vikings’ offense as the season begins.

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