Decision No. 1
Making Alexander Mattison the No. 1 running back
One of the most surprising decisions made by the Vikings during the 2023 offseason happened when they re-signed running back Alexander Mattison.
Most assumed Mattison was going to land with a new team in free agency, and his time with Minnesota had come to an end after the final whistle of the playoff loss to the New York Giants.
But instead of beginning a new journey with a different NFL team, he returned to the franchise that selected him in the third round of the 2019 draft. And not only did Mattison return, but the Vikings decided to make him their new No. 1 running back and move on from four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook.
Some were a little skeptical about this decision from Minnesota, and rightfully so. In his first four seasons with the Vikings, Mattison only started a total of six games, and he averaged less than 20 offensive snaps per game.
Yes, he was behind Cook for his entire career, but he never did anything during those first four seasons that convinced Minnesota to give him more opportunities out on the field either.
So far this season, Mattison has gotten off to an abysmal start. In two games, he's only gained a total of 62 yards on 19 carries, in addition to catching six passes for 21 yards and one touchdown. He hasn't even eclipsed 100 total yards for the season yet.
Perhaps this decision wouldn't be viewed as terribly for the Vikings if they had just developed a proper backup plan in case Mattison as the No. 1 guy didn't work out.
Minnesota probably should've signed a veteran running back with starting experience during the offseason, but they didn't. Instead, they were so insistent on Mattison being their new No. 1 guy, and now their rushing attack is one of the worst in the entire NFL.