The Minnesota Vikings Playbook: Get the Ball To Adrian Peterson

With question marks swirling at the wide receiver position for the Minnesota Vikings, the focus of the offense must once again take on the persona and identity of Adrian "All Day" Peterson.

Sidney Rice's recent hip surgery has left a team on the verge of taking the next step to the Super Bowl to a team wondering how to fill the huge production lost in Rice's absence. Replacing 83 receptions, 1,312 yards, and eight touchdowns is no easy task. Add in the uncertainty surrounding the Vikings' second leading receiver last year in Percy Harvin due to consistent migraines, and Minnesota has a lot to worry about.

Luckily, Harvin returned to practice but is still trying to get his migraines under control. They are apparently triggered by stress, fatigue, and light, including the glare of the sun, which started his most recent episode at Vikings practice. Along with the recent deaths of his grandmother and a close friend, it is easy to see why Harvin was dealing with an increase in the frequency of his migraines.

The former Gator was named Rookie of the Year this past season and caught 60 passes for 790 yards, including six scores. Add in his 135 yards rushing and over 1,300 yards returning with two touchdowns, and it's clear the Vikings don't want to have to replace their most versatile player. Hopefully, Percy's migraines will be able to be controlled from this point moving forward and he can focus on football. He does hope to play in the Vikings third preseason game versus Seattle this coming Saturday, which would be a great sign.

Despite Harvin's potential return, the loss of Rice is something that simply can't be ignored. Rice became Brett Favre's favorite target last year and bailed Favre out on numerous deep throws and end zone fades thanks to his ridiculous athletic ability. The Vikings have signed former Green Bay Packer and pro bowler Javon Walker to fill the void, as well as acquiring Greg Camarillo from the Dolphins for cornerback Benny Sapp. However, to think they will truly fill Rice's void is questionable at best.

With the recent loss of Rice for possibly half the season and Brett Favre's surgically repaired ankle still healing, there is only one place for the Vikings to turn to start the season and that is the dynamic Adrian Peterson. Peterson has been heavily criticized for his fumbling woes, but if you put that into historical perspective, he falls in line nicely with the great Walter Payton. Payton fumbled 30 times in his first three seasons, while Peterson has fumbled 19 times (www.pro-football-reference.com).

Many compare Peterson's running style to that of "Sweetness", in which they both run with reckless abandonment. However, Peterson knows that his fumbling issues need to be fixed just like Payton cut down on his. Also, if you don't think Peterson is motivated more than ever after coming that close to a Super Bowl berth, well then my friend, you got another thing coming. Give me AP over any running back in the game, fumbles and all. The reward far outweighs the risk with AP.

In Peterson's first three seasons, he has rushed for 4,484 yards and scored 40 touchdowns. Peterson will eclipse over 300 rushing attempts this year, however, it’s the passing game that he must be more involved in.

AP has wanted to be an all-around back and this is the year to prove it more than ever. Yes, Harvin can act as a scat back and Toby Gerhart can be used to pound the rock, but if you are looking for a third-down back then look no further than Mr. Peterson himself.

Last year, the former Sooner star caught 43 passes for 436 yards, which surpassed his previous total from his first two years combined (19 and 21, respectively). In order to survive the time that Rice will be out, Peterson must catch over 60 passes this season with a few scores. There is no reason a man of his ability and talent shouldn't be on the field for all downs.

Taking AP off the field, except for rest, simply takes a major weapon in your arsenal out of the equation for a defense to account for. Blocking is crucial on third-down and in passing situations, and this is the number one thing AP must improve on. Getting Peterson loose on dump-offs, check downs, and the occasional screen pass would really show the explosive, dynamic ability he possesses. At any moment, he can go the distance, and therefore should have the ball in his hands as much as possible. 

Bringing AP into the passing game even more this year with the departure of Chester Taylor, will allow the Vikings to succeed without their best receiver. Peterson is the best player on the team and arguably the best player in the NFL. It is his time to carry the team. Brett Favre thought last year was AP's team though that wasn't the case based on Favre's passing statistics. Well, Favre said it again this year that this is Adrian Peterson's team and this is the year to prove that.

Peterson is capable of being the best all-around running back in the NFL. He has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield when given the chance. He has the talent to run by, past and through defenders. He has the work ethic and dedication to fix his fumbling issues and learn to be an effective blocker in passing situations.

If the Vikings want to get to the next level and make it to the Super Bowl, they will be wise to trust in AP all day, everyday this season.