"Less than 7 minutes remained Sunday at Mall of America Field, and this time the Vikings were in little danger of blowing their big halftime lead, cruising toward a 34-10 drubbing of the Arizona Cardinals.

Still, coach Leslie Frazier wasn't going to stand for his team easing off the gas after a month of frustrating finishes. So as the Vikings prepared to take over on their last meaningful possession, ahead by three touchdowns but not yet content, Frazier began gathering his offensive line to deliver a lecture on staying focused.

Only this time, he was quickly interrupted. By an energetic leader wearing number 28.

Adrian Peterson raised his hand.

"Coach, I've got it," Peterson said. "Let me talk to them. I'll handle it."

Peterson handled plenty Sunday in securing the Vikings their first victory of 2011. He not only spoke up, he also ran angry, rushing for 122 yards and three touchdowns.

"He was at his best today," Frazier said."