His father is a convicted criminal. He’s too fragile. His aggressive running style is going to get him in trouble. The NFL is bigger and faster, and will tear him apart...We all heard the doubts about Adrian Peterson. Heck, many of us harbored them ourselves.
But it didn't take long for Peterson to silence critics with his play on the field.
The first-year Vikings back has already displayed the sort of dominance the NFL hasn't seen from a rookie since Eric Dickerson donned a Rams jersey in 1983—if ever.
Peterson’s injury history weighed heavily on the minds of NFL coaches and GMs. There were shoulder and ankle problems early in his career at Oklahoma, but scouts were particularly nervous about the broken collarbone that forced him to miss seven games during his final year in college. He almost certainly slipped in the draft because of the concerns.
Still, when April 28th rolled around, the Minnesota Vikings selected Peterson with the seventh pick.
He paid immediate dividends.
The rookie jumped out of the gates with a 103-yard performance against the Atlanta Falcons. He also exhibited his versatility by catching a 60-yard touchdown out of the backfield.
Over the next four games, Peterson reached the 100-yard rushing mark three more times, including a dazzling 224-yard, three-touchdown show against the once-proud Chicago Bears defense.
And he was just getting started.
The coup de grâce for naysayers came in the form of an all time NFL single-game rushing record. Peterson had his way against the San Diego D en route to a 296-yard day—and a spot in the record books.
Peterson may have earned himself a few new cynics with a handful of missed games and mediocre showings late in the season, but watching him in action is incredible. Fans know they're witnessing something special every time he takes the field.
It's been a great year for sports fans, but the best story of 2007 was woven by a rookie to whom nobody gave much of a chance.
7 comments Last one added 12 months ago — Leave a Comment
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Not quite the best story... in fact, not even close.
While he is exciting to watch, the armchair sports geniuses consistently fail to grasp the concept that there is more to an NFL running back than explosive running against the league's worst run defenses.
When Peterson learns to block, and run in a manner so that we might see him play 16 games, he might begin to be considered a top 5 back.
Fantasy points do not necessarily correspond to longterm success in the game.
"The coup de grâce for naysayers" ? Hardly. The following week all suspicions were confirmed when he went down with an MCL injury.
The only thing remarkable was that the injury was not more serious than it turned out to be.
Explosive though he may be, he will need to adjust his style to the realities of NFL football, or we won't be seeing the Purple Jesus for very many years.
Injuries take their toll.
The best things about 2007?
Tom Brady and Randy Moss.
Don't want to state the super-obvious?
David Garrard.
That is all.
Edit Comment Cancel
Michael Rice about 1 year ago
A rookie going off for a single-game rushing record makes a pretty damn good story - better than a predictable winner (what's so fascinating about a dominant team that 90% of people picked to win it all actually winning?) and an efficient quarterback (that's pretty much all Garrard is).
The best of 2007 is, of course, merely opinion. There are better and worse answers, but AP-AD is a pretty good choice as arguably the most dominant individual talent in the most popular sports league when he's on.
His game is incomplete, as you mention, but he is a rookie. That just means he has room to get better, which is pretty scary for other teams. Who foresaw the year he has had back in April? What a story...
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Your garbage!!!people crack me up with they're evaluations but don't have even a quarter of the talent.get off tom and randys dick.Bandwagoners!!!
Edit Comment Cancel
Andrew Kneeland about 1 year ago
This coming from a Viking fan:
Adrian was impressive for the first half of the season, then fell off the map. Rushing for 3 yards against the 49ers was hardly the peak of his abilities. He only broke the century-mark once (granted he didn't play two of those games) Either way, he's coming back in '08 with something to prove. People are saying that he's overrated, and I guarantee you that he is working his tail off to get better even now.
He might not be the best now, but he can only get better, right?
Edit Comment Cancel
Ken minnesota fan about 1 year ago
I think people need to celebrate Petersons rushing record more. This was one of his biggest games in his career, and he probably has more to come, and some cridicts are just putting it aside. They don't really explain it that well except telling the total number of yards, and the team it was against. I personally think that was the vikings best game this year. I hate how people are putting the 49ers game against him. It was just one off game. Everyone has them and people always have to find the flaws. Just accept him for his greatness, especially with all he accomplished as a rookie. I just can't wait until next season.
Sincerly,
Montana Viking fan
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Peterson will be the leading rusher in 08. And might even break the rushing record, I dont think
its to far off. Sure, teams will know that all the Vikings have is the running game, but I still dont
think that will stop AP from breaking long runs for TDs. He will have the off season to find another
way to beat 8,9 man fronts. All you who try to find reasons why he isnt the best RB we have seen in
many many years, just wait until the Vikes get a passing game! I somewhat judge teams on how many
players I would draft in our FF league. Look what LT can do for his team owners and his own team he plays for. Peterson will take the Vikes to the playoff this year, and that is saying alot considering who
else they have. Stay healthy AP! You are the only reason I still watch the game.
Edit Comment Cancel
larry jones 12 months ago
Peterson is the BEST DAMN RUNNING BACK TO HIT THE FIELD... he will break all th records!!!!!!!
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.