Adrian Peterson, who leads the NFL in rushing with 1,581 yards, is also ahead of the league’s players in another category, most fumbles. The second-year soon to be All-Pro has six on the season, one more than eight other running backs and quarterbacks who have five.
Peterson fumbled twice against the Lions a week ago Sunday and had two other near fumbles. He avoided his third fumble in two weeks last Sunday against the Cardinals when officials ruled Peterson was on the ground before losing the ball.
Vikings fullback Naufahu Tahi was asked by Sports Headliners last week if Peterson receives leniency because of his extraordinary ability and performance. No, Tahi answered, and he said Peterson knows that regardless of his “status” he has to secure the football.
Tahi said the coaching staff doesn’t have a set policy on discipline for fumbling. “There’s no set rule if you fumble (that) you gotta come out of the game but … you want to be able to take care of it and have the coaches trust that you can take care of the ball. …”
Peterson fumbled four times last year as a rookie in 238 rushing attempts. This season, with two games to play, he has two more but he also has 320 rushing attempts.
Apparently the fumbles are an annoyance to his father, Nelson, who communicates with Vikings coach Brad Childress and tells him he will talk to his famous son about correcting the problem, according to Joe Buck of Fox Sports. Buck spoke about that during the telecast of Sunday’s Vikings-Arizona game.
The fumble subject has been minimized by the Vikings four game winning streak and closing in on the NFC North Division championship. Also, by Peterson‘s three consecutive 100-plus yard games including 165 on Sunday against the Cardinals.