MINNEAPOLIS — For all the mastery of passing-play design and quarterback development the Minnesota Vikings have benefited from since Kevin O'Connell became head coach, even he has long realized how vital a vastly improved running game is toward their status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

The final stretch of their season-opening comeback victory in Chicago featured the perfect blueprint.

Not lost in quarterback J.J. McCarthy's headline-making finish after a rocky start to his NFL debut was the role of the rushing attack during those three touchdown drives in the 27-24 victory on Monday night.

The first five runs by the Vikings in the fourth quarter netted 58 yards, beginning with back-to-back bursts by Jordan Mason for 7 and 18 yards after a missed field goal by the Bears gave th

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