Minnesota has continued to run the ball at one of the NFL’s highest rates, even when playing from behind.
The Minnesota Vikings have made a clear commitment to the running game, and that commitment has become one of the defining characteristics of their offense.
According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, the Vikings have posted a 53.8% run rate since Dec. 1 of last season, following their Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. That is the second-highest run rate in the NFL during that span, trailing only the Baltimore Ravens.
However, the more interesting part is what happens when Minnesota is actually trailing.
The Vikings have maintained a 51.2% run rate while trailing during that stretch, which is the highest mark in the NFL. That statistic is particularly notable because it shows Minnesota isn't simply leaning on the running game when playing with leads and trying to drain the clock.
Even when the game isn't necessarily going in their favor, the Vikings have continued to trust their rushing attack.
That has been a major part of Minnesota's offensive identity under Kevin O'Connell, and it appears the philosophy has carried over into the 2026 season. Rather than abandoning the run when things aren't going their way, the Vikings have continued to use it as a way to stay balanced and prevent opposing defenses from being able to tee off on the quarterback. And with the Vikings' current quarterback luck as of late, that's been beneficial.
The addition of assistant head coach Frank Smith, who is known for focusing heavily on offense and run-game planning.
There is also something to be said for the confidence that comes with sticking to that approach.
The Vikings have not lost since that Week 13 matchup against Seattle, and their willingness to remain committed to the run has been a big part of that success. It allows them to control the tempo, keep defenses honest and create opportunities in the passing game off of the rushing attack.
Minnesota's offensive line has also played an important role in making that philosophy work. When everyone on the offensive line is healthy and consistently creating movement up front, there is little reason to abandon the run simply because they fall behind on the scoreboard.
Through the first two weeks of this season, Minnesota has already shown that they are willing to stay patient offensively.
The NFL has become increasingly pass-heavy, but the Vikings are showing that there is still value in being willing to run the football regardless of the game script.
And based on these numbers, that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.
