Adrian Peterson Did the Work, but Brett Favre Deserves Some Credit

You're right, Minnesota fans. Adrian Peterson deserves the credit for the Vikings' 34-20 victory over the hapless Cleveland Browns.

Most of it, anyway.

Yes, 180 yards rushing isn't easy to come by. And scoring three touchdowns, well, that's the definition of "carrying" an offensive load.

Peterson, while every bit as dazzling and athletic as advertised, wouldn't have had as much success on Sunday if it weren't for Minnesota's sound offensive line, quality play calling, and well-rounded supporting cast.

Having an elite defense doesn't hurt, either.

But the main factor that is being glazed over is actually how "little" Brett Favre impacted the game statistically.

While NFL analysts and writers commented on how Favre's presence made a world of a difference, all I see on B/R is how AP deserves 100 percent of the credit, how Favre "did nothing," and that he's still washed up.

But I don't see it that way.

I actually even think it's arguable that Favre will help AP in 2009 more than AP will help Favre.

True, Peterson is already the coined "best back in the league." He already has an NFL rushing title, has topped 1,700 yards in a season, and with three scores on Sunday, is seven touchdowns away from three-straight seasons of 10 or more trips to the end zone.

Still, it's hard to imagine him having that great of a game with Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center.

It's not because he's not good enough; he most certainly is. And it's not because the Browns are a good defense; they most certainly are not.

But the way things were headed at half-time, with Cleveland taking a 13-10 lead on a Josh Cribbs punt return, the Vikings were in a sticky situation—one that begged Brett Favre to help them get out of.

Because let's be honest...

Before Peterson put the game away with his 64-yard touchdown run, the game was still in question. It took a Favre touchdown pass to rookie Percy Harvin and another Favre-led drive to a field goal to give the Vikings a relatively convincing 27-13 lead.

Yes, Adrian Peterson was the man of the hour. He was the money-maker.

But Brett Favre's presence behind center kept the Browns guessing, gave AP room to run, and lifted the Vikings over the Browns.

No, 110 passing yards isn't much. But maybe we're looking at the wrong numbers. How about zero interceptions?

How about a 95.3 passer rating? How about a 66.7 completion percentage?

Favre wasn't Drew Brees or Tony Romo on Sunday. Both because he didn't have to be, and he didn't mind playing second fiddle.

And that's why he's the real MVP for Minnesota after Week One. Despite all of the cries toward his ballooning ego, he put it aside and let someone else take all the credit.

So, like it or not (like him or not) let's give a little back to the old guy.