Film Breakdown: Why CJ Ham is the Unsung Hero of the Minnesota Vikings Offense

In the high-speed, pass-heavy world of modern NFL offenses, it’s easy to overlook certain players who aren’t making the highlight reels with flashy catches or long touchdowns. But these unsung heroes often play pivotal roles in making the offense click and contributing to a team’s overall success. One such player for the Minnesota Vikings is CJ Ham, the fullback who often goes unnoticed in the box scores yet is critical to the Vikings’ offensive success.

Fullbacks have traditionally been viewed as throwbacks in a game that now heavily favors passing and speed. However, as the Vikings’ offense continues to evolve under head coach Kevin O’Connell, CJ Ham’s role has remained indispensable. His contributions, from blocking to route running, and even occasional touches as a runner, make him a valuable asset to the Vikings’ offense. This film breakdown dives into why CJ Ham is one of the most important yet overlooked players on the team and why his impact is felt every week, even if he doesn’t always grab the headlines.

CJ Ham: A Quick Overview

CJ Ham is a Minnesota native who has become one of the best fullbacks in the NFL. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, Ham brings a unique blend of size and athleticism to the Vikings’ offense. After a standout career at Augustana University, he signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Since then, he has carved out a niche for himself as a key cog in Minnesota’s offense.

While the fullback position has become less prominent in the NFL, the Vikings have remained committed to utilizing Ham’s skill set. Whether it’s in short-yardage situations, as a lead blocker, or as a safety valve in the passing game, Ham’s versatility has allowed him to maintain a key role in the Vikings’ offensive scheme.

1. Lead Blocker in the Run Game: Setting the Tone for Dalvin Cook

The foundation of a successful offense, particularly one that features a top-tier running back like Dalvin Cook, begins in the trenches. For the Vikings, having a reliable lead blocker like CJ Ham is critical to opening up running lanes and ensuring the success of the run game.

One of Ham’s primary responsibilities in the run game is to serve as a lead blocker, either in the traditional fullback role or on outside zone runs. Let’s break down a typical example of how Ham excels in this area.

Film Breakdown: Lead Blocking on Power and Inside Zone

In many instances, the Vikings use a power or inside zone scheme where Ham will align in the backfield and either run straight into the hole or pull across the formation to lead Dalvin Cook through the line of scrimmage. Ham’s role is essential to the success of these plays because he is tasked with taking out an inside linebacker, a defensive end, or even a safety, all of whom would otherwise clog up the running lane.

In one example, on an inside zone play to the right, Ham is lined up offset to the left of quarterback Kirk Cousins. The offensive line executes a double-team on the defensive tackle, while Ham’s responsibility is to find the first unblocked linebacker and seal him off. As the play develops, Ham reads the defense and identifies the linebacker filling the gap. With precise timing, he steps up and delivers a crushing block on the linebacker, pushing him away from the hole just as Cook is making his cut. This creates a massive running lane, allowing Cook to burst through for a solid gain.

On outside zone runs, Ham’s ability to get to the edge is just as important. In one example, on a sweep to the left, Ham starts in the backfield and leads Cook to the outside. He engages with the defensive end, driving him outside and clearing a path for Cook to cut inside and gain significant yards. Without Ham’s strong block, Cook would have been forced to cut back and potentially lost yardage. His power and awareness in these moments are integral to Minnesota’s ability to stay balanced on offense.

2. Pass Protection: A Key to Kirk Cousins’ Success

While the Minnesota Vikings have invested in a solid offensive line, there are still moments when the protection breaks down. In these situations, having a reliable fullback like CJ Ham to provide pass protection is crucial. His ability to pick up blitzes, help in chip-blocking, and provide clean pockets for Kirk Cousins has made a noticeable difference in the Vikings’ passing attack.

Film Breakdown: Pass Protection and Blitz Pickup

One of the key ways CJ Ham contributes in the passing game is by picking up blitzes and offering protection on critical third downs. In a recent game, Ham was tasked with blocking a linebacker who was coming on a delayed blitz from the A-gap. As Cousins drops back to pass, Ham recognizes the blitz and quickly slides into position, sealing the linebacker off before he can disrupt the play. This allows Cousins to step up in the pocket and find Justin Jefferson on an intermediate route.

There are also occasions when Ham is called upon to help chip-block a defensive end. In another example, Cousins is in the shotgun formation with Ham to his left. The right tackle is engaged with a defensive end, but Ham provides a chip on the pass rusher before slipping into the flat for a potential checkdown option. This quick chip frees up the right tackle, preventing the defender from getting into the backfield and pressuring Cousins.

By consistently picking up blitzes and offering protection in the pocket, Ham ensures that Cousins has time to read the field and make accurate throws, whether on deep shots to Jefferson or quick slants to KJ Osborn.

3. Route Running: A Versatile Weapon in the Passing Game

While CJ Ham’s primary role is to block, he is also an underrated threat as a receiver. The Vikings often use him in a variety of ways, from leaking out of the backfield on play-action passes to running option routes in the flat. Ham’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss is a valuable asset to the Vikings’ offense, and it keeps defenses guessing.

Film Breakdown: Receiving and Route Running

In several games this season, the Vikings have used Ham on quick angle routes or wheel routes out of the backfield. In one instance, Cousins drops back and surveys the field. With the primary options covered, Ham, running a quick angle route, slips out of the backfield and finds a soft spot in the defense. Cousins delivers a quick throw, and Ham turns upfield for a solid gain, turning a routine checkdown into a productive play.

Another example comes when the Vikings use play-action. As Cousins fakes the handoff to Dalvin Cook, Ham slips into the flat, catching the defense off guard. The linebackers, expecting a run, get caught out of position, and Ham is wide open for a short gain. Though these receptions rarely make headlines, they are crucial for extending drives and keeping defenses honest. Ham’s hands and ability to gain yards after the catch are often underrated but incredibly valuable to the Vikings’ offense.

4. Short-Yardage Situations: CJ Ham as a Reliable Option

In short-yardage and goal-line situations, the Vikings often turn to CJ Ham to pick up critical first downs or push the ball into the end zone. As a 250-pound fullback, Ham has the size and strength to plow through defenders and create space in tight areas.

Film Breakdown: Short Yardage and Goal-Line Situations

One of Ham’s most impactful plays comes in short-yardage situations. On a third-and-one play, the Vikings line up in a heavy formation with Ham as the lead blocker. After the snap, Ham leads Dalvin Cook through the A-gap, clearing out a linebacker and allowing Cook to follow him into the hole for a crucial first down. This kind of play might not be glamorous, but it’s essential for keeping the chains moving and maintaining offensive rhythm.

On goal-line plays, Ham is often the first point of contact for any defenders trying to stop a touchdown run. In one such scenario, the Vikings line up on the one-yard line, and Ham barrels forward as the lead blocker for Cook. He meets a linebacker head-on, driving him backward and giving Cook just enough space to punch the ball into the end zone. These types of plays, while not always flashy, are the kind that determine whether a team can score in crucial moments.

5. Leadership and Intangibles: A Vital Locker Room Presence

In addition to his on-field contributions, CJ Ham’s leadership and character make him an invaluable part of the Minnesota Vikings’ organization. Known for his high football IQ and work ethic, Ham is often a mentor to younger players, particularly in the running back and offensive line rooms. His understanding of the game and his ability to execute both the small details and the big picture make him a key player in Minnesota’s locker room.