Ask Charlie Sanders about the Vikings’ strengths and in the first breath he starts talking about “No. 28.”
Sanders is assistant director of pro personnel for the Lions who the Vikings open the NFL regular season against in Detroit on Sunday. He describes No. 28, Adrian Peterson, as “the offense” for the Vikings. “No question about that,” Sanders told Sports Headliners by telephone on Wednesday.
“I don’t see the Vikings functioning without this kid,” Sanders said. “What I mean is consistently being successful and having a chance to win.”
The pro football world watched Peterson come within nine yards of breaking the single season NFL rushing record last season. He gained 2,097 yards while scoring 12 touchdowns rushing and one receiving. The team rushing total was 2,634 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. The Vikings were a surprise success with a 10-6 record, making the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
All of this came after an offseason from hell where Peterson was rehabilitating from major surgery on his left knee. “He is the best (running back) in the business,” Sanders said. “He is the toughest, too.”
Sanders played for the Gophers and then the Lions before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. As a former player and personnel executive he marvels at Peterson’s attributes. “So much of him is mental,” Sanders said. “That is the thing I admire so much about him. He can do things average players can’t do because he is so mentally tough.”
Sanders said he prefers to have another season to watch Peterson, now 28 years old, before giving him a place in NFL history among the best running backs. But pressed further, he said Barry Sanders (no relation) is No. 1, Jim Brown No. 2 and Peterson “probably” No. 3 on his list.
What does he expect from the Lions on Sunday when they play the Vikings in a NFC North Division game? “Stress,” he laughed. “It’s that time of year for us to see (how things go). Last year we thought we had more. You don’t know until you start playing.”
Told that the Vikings play their first two games on the road and just one game at home in a difficult September schedule, Sanders quipped: “Good for them. I am happy for them.”
The Lions, who were 4-12 last season after a 10-6 record in 2011, have one of the NFL’s most difficult schedules. The NFL ranks Detroit’s strength of schedule No. 2 in the league. “Who did we piss off?” Sanders asked. “I don’t know who has it worse.”