Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson Should Be Christian Ponder's Favorite Target

Adrian Peterson is being terribly underutilized in the Minnesota Vikings passing game.

This is absurd.

It seems so simple, doesn't it? When you have the league's best running back—and any thought of Chris Johnson being the league's best has faded fast—you need to run him early and often. Peterson should be run in obvious run situations and in third and very long. Peterson should get touches in short yardage and on the goal line.

Moreover, when you have one of the league's best running backs, you have to get the ball in his hands in any way you can. Peterson should be featured in the passing game as much as he is in the running game.

How is it that he isn't?

Peterson leads the league in rushing attempts, but only has 10 receptions on the year. In Sunday's loss to the Green Bay Packers, Peterson was only targeted once. He caught that target, but wasn't able to gain any yardage.

One would have to think that's an aberration.

This season, the Vikings have struggled because of an offensive line that faded faster than the team had hoped. Getting the ball to their best weapon in space only makes sense—especially on screens that could take advantage of opponents' overeager run blitzing.

The Vikings offense has a lot of room for running backs in the passing game. Bill Musgrave comes to Minnesota by way of the Atlanta Falcons, which had tons of success in recent years in getting Jerious Norwood involved in the aerial attack.

The Musgrave offense uses a lot of moving pockets and play-action. With Adrian Peterson as a short safety option, he should have a lot of room in front of him once the offense gets humming.

Christian Ponder would be wise to figure this out earlier rather than later. However, the coaches should not leave this to the rookie. If the Vikings are looking to turn their season around, they need to scheme Peterson into the passing game and make sure they script and practice plays for him.

Michael Schottey is an NFL Associate Editor for Bleacher Report. A member of the Pro Football Writers of America, he has professionally covered the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions, as well as NFL events like the scouting combine and the Senior Bowl. Follow him on       Twitter.