'I've really enjoyed how we've attacked people' -- Kevin O'Connell is finding a groove calling more running plays

One of the biggest criticisms of the Minnesota Vikings over the first three seasons under head coach Kevin O'Connell has been the lack of focus on the running game.

The first three seasons were a heavy passing focus, especially last season, when the Vikings ran the ball just 42.58% of the time, ranking 18th in the NFL. Part of the lack of commitment to the running game has had to do with personnel. Head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't had the players to put together a consistent running game, especially last year, when they ranked 19th in red zone touchdown percentage and couldn't convert in the short yardage game.

Jordan Mason has reinvigorated the Vikings' running game

This season, the running game feels different. The Vikings spent a large portion of their offseason working on fixing the running game. They fortified the offensive line with Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency, along with selecting Donovan Jackson in the first round. Not only did they do that, they also added running back Jordan Mason via trade with the San Francisco 49ers.

O'Connell was asked about how calling a lot of runs in Sunday's blowout win over the Cincinnati Bengals impacts him as a play caller.

"Even in the game, you can feel it. And I'm sure you guys felt a chill beneath your feet when I think at one point, I called three or four runs in a row," said O'Connell. "But listen, I have really enjoyed how we've attacked people over the years here and tried to make the best parts of our offense and the best way to attack people based upon our skill sets. I've enjoyed that side of it, and I'm absolutely loving the idea of forming the identity that best fits this team, and that's my job. It starts with making sure we're doing the things that we need to do for these guys to have success, and to try to make the best situation we possibly can for our players, and play calls have a ton to do with that."

There are a lot of really successful run plays for the Vikings this year, and the coolest part about them is seeing how the offensive line is dominating up front.