What the Minnesota Vikings can expect from Alexander Mattison in 2019
By Adam Carlson
The Good
There is a lot to like about Mattison. Not only has he shown a lot of durability as the bellcow running back for Boise State in his three years in the NCAA, but he showcased a nice combination of size and elusiveness that should intrigue Vikings fans.
But let’s take a look at specific parts of the game where Mattison is praised:
Aggressive and balanced rusher
When the ball is in Alexander Mattison’s hands, you know the level of effort will be high. Mattison keeps his feet moving while focusing on moving the ball toward the end zone. When changing direction, he shifts his body well and can keep his balance, even when brushing off a weak tackle.
His determination is also key. He seems to kick things up a notch when he knows he needs to reach a first down marker or the goal line, showing determination to get what the team needs by pushing himself harder.
Patience out of the backfield
When looking for a gap to run through, Mattison doesn’t always take the first sliver of space. He is a patient runner who is willing to wait for holes to open up rather than attempt to squeeze through a small gap and make defenders miss.
An asset in the passing game
Mattison should find himself in a lot of passing downs with the Vikings, possibly even becoming a third down specialist. Not only is he a good blocker out of the backfield but he can go out for the pass where he can showcase soft hands and accelerate quickly.