In order for the Minnesota Vikings passing game to improve under third-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, the team is reportedly planning on him taking more snaps out of the shotgun this season.
With a new plan of attack, this could lighten up Adrian Peterson’s workload. The future Hall of Fame running back has struggled running out of the shotgun throughout his career. He averaged just 1.6 yards per attempt in like situations last season.
In addition to improving his success rate out of the shotgun, Peterson is working on his pass-catching ability — something that itself must improve for him to play a role in that formation.
“The biggest thing is me just being more patient, and that’s something that you [get by going] through practice reps,” Peterson said, per Matt Vensel of Star Tribune. “That’s something that I was more conscious of last year, and that’ll be an easier transition for me.”
If Peterson is unable to improve in these two categories, third-year running back Jerick McKinnon could come into play. McKinnon managed 4.3 yards per attempt when the team lined up in shotgun formation last year. McKinnon was notably impressive in spring practices and should see an increase in attempts.
Peterson will still retain the lead rushing duties for the Vikings, but McKinnon looks to eat into some of the ground work when they switch to the shotgun formation.
In order for the Vikings’ offense to evolve as a whole, the team must improve on its 31st-ranked pass attack from last year. Bridgewater has managed only 14 passing touchdowns per season in his two years under center.
The primary question here moving forward is whether Peterson himself is being phased out of the offensive attack. At 31 years old, he’s the highest-paid running back in the NFL. Set to earn $18 million in 2017, the Vikings can release Peterson without paying a single penny of that.