Adrian Peterson made a statement in Monday’s 24-19 loss in Green Bay to the Packers. His production of 103 yards on 19 carries, including a run of 34 yards, was the first time in four games dating back to last year that the wondrous one had rushed for more than 100 yards. He had injured his right knee in Green Bay last season, missed two games, came back and had 116 yards rushing against Detroit, then followed that up with the streak of sub-100 yard games.
Vikings’ coach Brad Childress told Sports Headliners yesterday following his news conference that the second year running back is healthy, with no negative effects from the knee injury. Childress also said in future games it’s likely Peterson will catch more than one pass like he did against the Packers.
Last year Peterson and Chester Taylor were often given equal opportunity to carry the ball but Monday night Taylor had five carries for 19 yards. “That’s about right,” Childress said when asked about number of carries and receptions he wants Peterson to have. “Obviously in the last six to eight minutes of that game we were in a throw mode trying to come back with two scores (trailing 24-12). Yeah, I’d say that’s fair. Could be higher, might be a little bit less. Might be more in the pass game touch wise.”
Peterson was given minimal exposure during the preseason. He only had 20 carries for 51 yards, and a 2.6 average.
Monday night it was time to go and he showed his extraordinary vision, running speed and acceleration, plus ability to cut and power through runners. With a year’s experience to add to his sureness, Peterson figures to be even better than last season when he finished second in the NFL with 1,341 rushing yards despite missing those two games.
Even against stacked defenses to stop the run, the Vikings have to wonder if Peterson should have more opportunities to catch passes and run from scrimmage. Last year his 5.6 average per carry was among the best in NFL history.
That’s a statement and so too was his opening game.