Adrian Peterson News: Pro Sports Daily

Potent Peterson a test for Steelers defense

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October 25

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Brett Favre has - so far - been the equivalent of the final piece of the puzzle for the Vikings. But with all due respect to the NFL's all-time passing leader, Minnesota's offense revolves around running back Adrian Peterson. And something will have to give today when the Vikings visit the Steelers for a showdown between one of the NFL's four unbeaten teams and its reigning Super Bowl champion. The Steelers are second in the NFL in rushing defense (74.5 yards per game), and they haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher since Fred Taylor gashed them for 147 in December 2007. The Steelers' streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher - it stands at 28 games - will be tested by Peterson, who leads the ..."

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Steelers OLB LaMarr Woodley

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October 25

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Mike Tomlin was the defensive coordinator for only one season with the Minnesota Vikings, but he started a trend that has continued even after he left to become coach of the Steelers. The Vikings went from 19th in the National Football League in rush defense to No. 1 in Tomlin's first season in Minnesota, and they haven't abdicated that position since he left after the 2006 season to replace Bill Cowher. They have led the league in rush defense each of the past three seasons. What's more, the Vikings haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 29 consecutive games, the only active streak longer than the Steelers, who haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in the past 24 regular-season games. But they ..."

Steelers not fantasizing about Vikings' Peterson

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October 21

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Take a minute and go to youtube.com. Type in "Adrian Peterson Fantasy Commercial" in the search engine. Click on the first entry that comes up. No, wait. Get the kids away from the computer first. Get 'em out of the room, actually. What you will see is more frightening than anything that will knock on your front door on Halloween. Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings' terrific third-year running back, is shirtless and in shorts, running a sprint at the team's practice facility. Pity the poor defensive backs who have to get in his way after he puts on his pads on game day and looks even more monstrous. "Don't show my guys," Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said yesterday, laughing a ..."

Peterson injures ankle but breaks 100-yard drought

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October 19

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings got a scare when Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson came up limping after he twisted his left ankle awkwardly on a spinning tackle by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe in the fourth quarter Sunday. "I was in some pain," Peterson said. "It wasn't broken or anything. Right now, it's feeling real good." Peterson was able to return and finish off his 143-yard rushing performance in a 33-31 victory against the Ravens. Peterson eclipsed 100 yards rushing for the first time in five games and now has 18 100-yard performances in his career, second most in team history behind Robert Smith (29). Peterson had 22 carries but did most of his damage on two runs (26 and 58 yards). ..."

Peterson injures ankle but breaks 100-yard drought

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October 19

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings got a scare when Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson came up limping after he twisted his left ankle awkwardly on a spinning tackle by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe in the fourth quarter Sunday. "I was in some pain," Peterson said. "It wasn't broken or anything. Right now, it's feeling real good." Peterson was able to return and finish off his 143-yard rushing performance in a 33-31 victory against the Ravens. Peterson eclipsed 100 yards rushing for the first time in five games and now has 18 100-yard performances in his career, second most in team history behind Robert Smith (29). Peterson had 22 carries but did most of his damage on two runs (26 and 58 yards). ..."

100 is just a number

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October 14

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings running back Adrian Peterson hasn't topped 100 yards since the season opener. But the defending NFL rushing champion doesn't care. He has grander goals in mind. "I'll take 50 yards the rest of the season — 30 yards — if we continue to win, and we get to that big game and come back with a ring," Peterson said Tuesday. "That's all that matters to me." Peterson's production hasn't been overwhelming, yet he's second in the NFL with 481 rushing yards. "A lot of guys would probably look at me and be like, 'Oh, Adrian's disappointed because of another game without 100 yards.' But that's not what it's about. Would I like to have 100 yards? Yeah, who wouldn't?" he said. "But, ultimately, ..."

Vikings score 38-10 win over Rams

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October 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The undefeated Minnesota Vikings refused to overlook the winless St. Louis Rams. "You can't take any team for granted," Vikings Pro Bowl defensive tackle Williams said days before the game. "We got to jump on 'em and don't give them hope," he said later. Williams did his part in a 38-10 victory over the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. After winning the coin toss, the Vikings offense put together an 80-yard touchdown drive, and Williams pressured quarterback Kyle Boller into fumbling on the Rams opening drive. Vikings defensive end Jared Allen recovered and returned the ball 52 yards for a touchdown to give the Vikings a 14-0 lead. The Rams had some success moving the football on the Vikings ..."

Vikings don't play down to lowly Rams' level

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October 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Bob Sansevere

"Some things are inherent. When piranha get a whiff of blood, there's a feeding frenzy. When a pit bull clamps its jaw on its prey, it's not interested in letting go. When a good team plays a lousy team, the good team doesn't just win. It wins by a sizable margin. Over the years, we've all seen Viking teams that were supposed to be good. They would get fans all jacked up with a few wins and have them thinking that, finally, this could be their year. Then the Vikings would face a crummy team and lose, or it'd be a nail-gnawing game. And, it turned out, they weren't so good after all. "I've been here, and we let teams we're supposed to beat hang around and we got into dogfights with them," ..."

At 5-0, can the Vikings keep focused?

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October 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"With a short week after playing last Monday night, the Vikings capitalized on some leftover adrenaline to jump on the Rams for a 14-0 lead seven minutes into the game on Sunday, then cruise to a 38-10 victory. Kevin Williams made the play of the game. Williams rushed Rams QB Kyle Boller, causing a fumble and paving the way for Jared Allen to scoop it up and score his first touchdown of the year in the first quarter. The defensive line is certainly a threat and could easily create more turnovers if they continue to bring pressure game after game. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier turned up the heat by blitzing frequently and putting more pressure on the Rams, which I feel made those ..."

Rams will focus on Vikings RB Peterson

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October 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops won't soon forget the day he first saw the rock-solid, laser-quick running back from Palestine (Texas) High on film. "Your jaw hits the floor," Stoops said. "The guy's just so explosive and so powerful, plays so hard. All the positive adjectives you can think of, he was every one of them. It's just exciting to see a guy like that." Adrian Peterson, the consensus national player of the year as a high school senior and a record-shattering All-American for Stoops at OU, continues to bring the excitement. On Sunday, his venue will be the Edwards Jones Dome, where the winless Rams meet the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings at noon. Containing the 6-foot-1, 217-pound Peterson ..."

Vikings' Peterson remains the primary focus of opposing defenses

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October 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Adrian Peterson's numbers are dropping, but he's not complaining. The Vikings running back isn't finding much running room against defenses that keep stacking the box with eight and nine defenders. But with Brett Favre exploiting opponents through the air, the Vikings are moving the ball one way or another. "At times it's a little frustrating, but that's what it's all about. Go out and just keep pounding them and keep pounding them and eventually it will open up," Peterson said. "It's not a surprise that teams come in and try to stop the run first and the pass second. We definitely know what to expect." Whether defenses ever back off and play more evenly against the pass and the run ..."

Peterson no prima donna

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October 8

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Despite his popularity, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson doesn't act like a diva around Winter Park. But Peterson didn't hide his self-confidence in a conference call with St. Louis reporters Wednesday. "Yeah, I play this game to be the best. Not only the best back, but the best player and that's how I look at it," said Peterson, who is second in rushing and third in yards from scrimmage. "If I looked at it any other way, I'd be cheating myself." Peterson may not get too many arguments, because he's already a two-time Pro Bowl running back and the defending rushing champion. Still, Peterson credited his offensive line. "I am grateful and I know it comes along with my offensive line," ..."

Packers defense successful in keeping tabs on Peterson

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October 6

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Green Bay rookie linebacker Clay Matthews and a pair of his teammates gang-tackled Adrian Peterson late in the second quarter of Minnesota's 30-23 victory over Green Bay on Monday night at the Metrodome. Then, in the middle of the mauling, Matthews reached in and ripped the football out of Peterson's hands before returning it for a 42-yard, game-tying touchdown. "It was a good play by him," Peterson said. "I've just got to do a better job of holding on to the ball." Against the Packers, Peterson had been accustomed to doing most of the bullying. But during the highly anticipated Green Bay-Minnesota matchup on "Monday Night Football," Peterson got picked on by a Packers defense determined ..."

Yo, Adrian: Head's up

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October 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Mark Craig

"Former Vikings fullback Tony Richardson is still looking out for his old Purple running mate Adrian Peterson. On Monday, Richardson left a voice message for Peterson. First, he wanted to congratulate the kid on the Vikings' 3-0 start. Secondly, he wanted to offer some friendly advice gleaned from a 15-year NFL career he began as Marcus Allen's lead blocker in Kansas City, wound through the Twin Cities for two years and now resides in New York with the Amazing Jets, who are 3-0 and would be the top story in the NFL if Brett Favre hadn't slung the precise pass that Greg Lewis caught perfectly five days ago. "The main thing I want to tell Adrian is, 'Make sure you don't duck your head when ..."

Peterson wants win for Favre

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October 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Adrian Peterson isn't one of those players who has described the Vikings-Packers clash Monday night as just another game. The Pro Bowl running back knows exactly what it means to his quarterback and good friend, Brett Favre. Peterson acknowledged the overall importance of the game, but he also admitted he would like to win for Favre, who spent 16 seasons in Green Bay and is facing his former team for the first time. "Coming up against these guys, it's a Monday night game, a big rivalry to take a firm hold right now on our divisional lead, it's a big game," Peterson said. "Not only for Brett but for the Minnesota Vikings. But inside I definitely want to get this win for him, too." Peterson ..."

Peterson again finds going tough vs. 49ers D

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September 28

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The San Francisco 49ers did not have nearly the success against Adrian Peterson on Sunday that they did two years ago, when they held the Pro Bowl running back to a career-low 3 yards on 14 carries. But the 49ers still fared better than most, as Peterson rushed for 85 yards on 19 carries with no touchdowns. Take away a 35-yard run in the first quarter and his totalsto 50 yards on 18 rushes in the Vikings' 27-24 victory. "It was different looks," Peterson said when asked what San Francisco's 3-4 defense was doing against him. "We knew what to expect. We knew it was going to be famine, and then feast. We knew that those guys would come out and focus on stopping the run. We were able to ..."

Peterson's back 'not a big deal'

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September 25

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Adrian Peterson stepped onto the podium for his weekly news conference Thursday armed with a joke. Questions about his back, which landed him on the injury report this week, were inevitable, so he came prepared. He opened by saying he had a "weak back." Asked if that was the result of one particular collision, Peterson said, "It happened like a week back. But it's all behind me now." Rim shot. "You liked that, huh?" he said, smiling. Peterson later called his back injury "not a big deal at all," but he probably won't be in a joking mood on Sunday when he gets another crack at the team that handed him the worst performance of his career. The San Francisco 49ers used a creative scheme to ..."

Vikings' Peterson ponders payback on 49ers

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September 24

Oakland Tribune

"Adrian Peterson remembers the other time he faced the 49ers defense. It is not a pleasant memory. "I felt like I was getting attacked by bees," he recalled Wednesday. More than two years later, Peterson still feels the sting. He managed only 3 yards in 14 carries that day. By the time Peterson staggered back toward the Candlestick Park locker room on Dec. 9, 2007, feeling frustrated and dazed, he was already plotting his revenge. "As I was walking off the field, I'm like, 'I can't wait until we play the 49ers again,'"‰" Peterson said. He gets his wish Sunday when the 49ers visit the Metrodome, the weekend's only matchup of 2-0 teams. Peterson, 24, will be looking for a more typical ..."

Space crunch

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September 24

San Jose Mercury News

"Adrian Peterson remembers the other time he faced the 49ers defense. It is not a pleasant memory. "I felt like I was getting attacked by bees," he recalled Wednesday. More than two years later, Peterson still feels the sting. He managed only 3 yards in 14 carries that day. By the time Peterson staggered back toward the Candlestick Park locker room on Dec. 9, 2007, feeling frustrated and dazed, he was already plotting his revenge. "As I was walking off the field, I'm like, 'I can't wait until we play the 49ers again,' " Peterson said. He gets his wish Sunday when the 49ers visit the Metrodome. It's the only matchup of the weekend featuring two 2-0 teams. Peterson, 24, will be looking for a ..."

Vikings' Peterson has ground to make up vs. 49ers

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September 24

Sacramento Bee

"Ask an NFL player his thoughts on facing an old adversary, a college teammate or a former coach, and he'll usually trot out the same tired answer: I'm treating it like any other game. Not Adrian Peterson. The Vikings running back has been carrying the memory of a bad game against the 49ers for 20 months. He has fed it, nourished it and used it as motivation. And now it's time for redemption. "That game - from the moment I stepped off the field, I was like, 'I can't wait until I play the 49ers again,' " Peterson said Wednesday. No wonder Peterson can't forget. He has rushed for more than 150 yards six times in his brief career, including games of 224 yards and 296 yards his rookie season ..."

Peterson fan Favre doesn't mind back seat

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September 21

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Mark Craig

"The Lions were dangerously close to resembling an NFL team when young Matthew Stafford threw his first career touchdown pass to give them a 10-0 lead late in the second quarter. "I was worried," admitted old Brett Favre, which is saying something when you consider Sunday marked his record 271st consecutive regular-season start. At that point, Favre had thrown only one pass that traveled farther than his shadow. Perhaps in a different era and a cheese-colored helmet, Favre would have seen a two-score deficit against a team with 18 consecutive losses as the green light to start winging the ball downfield to whichever team could get to it first. So far, that's not the guy Zygi Wilf is paying ..."

Peterson scores, but fumble stings again

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September 21

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Adrian Peterson had another one of those "yeah, but" games against the Lions. Yeah, he ran for 92 yards, a 6.1 average and a 27-yard touchdown that gave the Vikings their first lead, 17-10, en route to a 27-13 victory at Ford Field. But ... He also fumbled. Again. Five of Peterson's 14 career fumbles and three of the eight that he's lost have come against the Lions during their current 19-game losing streak. He lost two fumbles that nearly doomed the Vikings in a 12-10 win at the Metrodome last year. He also fumbled twice here a year ago, but the Vikings recovered both in a 20-16 victory. Sunday, Peterson ruined an up-tempo drive early in the game when he fumbled the handoff from Brett ..."

Adrian Peterson makes every run a threat

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September 20

Detroit Free Press

"The Saints' Mike Bell rushed for 143 yards against the Lions. Only one NFL player rushed for more last week. That guy rushed for 180 yards and three touchdowns against the Browns. The guy on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The guy facing the Lions today in their home opener: the Vikings' Adrian Peterson. Sure, Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier is on the cover of SI, too. But he's tiny, in the upper right corner. Peterson, who led the NFL in rushing last year, is the real cover boy, charging forward, eyes bulging. The headline is "Dominator," and right below it is a quote: "I want people to remember me as the best to ever play the game." If he keeps this up, people just might. "This guy ..."

He's in a league of his own

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September 18

Boston Globe

"It would be unfair to write about fantasy football this week and not mention the one-man force that is Adrian Peterson. Taken first in nearly every fantasy draft, the Vikings running back somehow eclipsed his billing in Minnesota's opener by rushing for 180 yards and three touchdowns - including a 64-yarder. In my league, Peterson accumulated 46 fantasy points (in most leagues, teams reaching 100 points is considered a very good week), mostly in the second half. Things could get even better this weekend: Minnesota visits Detroit, which allowed 45 points and 157 rushing yards last Sunday to New Orleans."

Vikings' Adrian Peterson says 64-yard touchdown run was one of his best

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September 15

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"After a film session Monday, Vikings Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson confirmed what many already had proclaimed. His 64-yard touchdown run against Cleveland — during which he juked, tossed and barreled over five defenders — was one of his best ever. "It's right up there," Peterson said. "And as far as effort-wise, it's got to be at the top, as far as guys contributing to making a big play happen." Peterson was at his best in the Vikings' season-opening 34-20 victory Sunday, plowing through the Browns for 180 yards on 25 carries. Subtract his long touchdown run, and Peterson still averaged a healthy 4.83 yards a carry. But Peterson insisted the 64-yarder was a team effort. "It was ..."

Best run ever? Peterson ranks it up there

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September 15

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Adrian Peterson's phone was flooded with text messages Sunday from family and friends who, in his words, were "geeked up" after watching his pinball touchdown run against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. On a play that will become a permanent addition to his career highlight package, Peterson broke six tackles, executed a ridiculous stop-start move and sent cornerback Eric Wright flying to the turf with an angry shove before outrunning two defenders for a 64-yard touchdown run. Peterson also benefitted from tremendous blocking, most notably from wide receiver Sidney Rice. But his individual effort still had teammates buzzing and in awe Monday. Kicker Ryan Longwell, a 13-year veteran, said ..."

Adrian Peterson gets Vikings off and running in season-opening win over Browns

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September 14

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre completed 14 of 21 passes for 110 yards, numbers certainly unbecoming of a three-time league MVP. Yet at least for one game, in the Vikings' convincing 34-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns, Favre proved what many doubted: that he could shed the gunslinger approach and embrace the staid game-manager mentality. "The thing is, we don't need Brett to play like the old Brett, like when he was in Green Bay," Vikings Pro Bowl defensive tackle Pat Williams said. "He just needs to manage the game and control the ball, and that's basically what he did. That's what we need." Favre may play the most important position in football, but he isn't the most important piece of the Vikings' ..."

Room to run early in season for Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson

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September 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Forget about Brett Favre taking pressure off Adrian Peterson. The reality is it's likely to happen the other way. Peterson led the NFL in rushing last season, and there's no reason to think he can't do it again. The Vikings begin their quest for the Super Bowl by matching up early with a handful of teams that couldn't stop the run last season. Four of their first five opponents ranked in the bottom seven of the NFL in rushing defense. Peterson's ability to dominate on the ground will allow Favre to get more comfortable with the offense, and more importantly, establish timing with the receivers. On the other hand, Favre's presence will help Peterson avoid taking so many hits, as long as ..."

Peterson or LT as best back?

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September 4

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"This might be difficult to believe, but the key ingredient to Adrian Peterson's 75-yard touchdown run Monday night in Houston wasn't his speed. Sure, it was important that Peterson had the ability to break away from the Texans' defenders. But what was even more significant is that before Peterson sped up, he slowed down. In a nutshell, Peterson practiced patience. "That's what it was," Peterson said Wednesday when asked about scoring on the opening play from scrimmage. "Those were the first words that came out of (running backs coach Eric Bieniemy's) mouth. How patient I was." Peterson's willingness to let the play develop in front of him and his ability to pressure the linebacker into ..."

Peterson learns to wait for it, wait for it

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September 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"This might be difficult to believe, but the key ingredient to Adrian Peterson's 75-yard touchdown run Monday night in Houston wasn't his speed. Sure, Peterson showed the ability to break away from the Texans defenders. But what was even more significant was that before he sped up, he slowed down. In a nutshell, he practiced patience. "That's what it was," Peterson said Wednesday when asked about scoring on the opening play from scrimmage. "Those were the first words that came out of [running backs coach Eric Bieniemy's] mouth. How patient I was." Peterson's willingness to let the play develop and his ability to pressure the linebacker into believing it was an outside zone play, enabled him ..."

Behind blocks, Vikings' Adrian Peterson is off and running

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September 1

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The Vikings' offensive linemen didn't know exactly what happened to free up Adrian Peterson for a 75-yard touchdown run on the first offensive play of their 17-10 exhibition victory over Houston on Monday night. Even offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said he needed to see the videotape. "I don't know," rookie right tackle Phil Loadholt said. "I just know it was a zone play, where Adrian made a great cut and used his vision." Added Bevell, "To be honest with you, from our view, I can't tell you." Peterson's explosive speed was a key on the play. But a review of the play showed several key blocks. Right guard Anthony Herrera fronted a defensive tackle and pushed him deep enough that ..."

Peterson savoring new QB's presence

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August 24

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Adrian Peterson has often been the biggest name on any football team on which he has played. But that has changed a bit with Brett Favre's arrival in Minnesota. The Pro Bowl running back doesn't mind and admits he enjoyed being on the same field with Favre for two series in the Vikings' 17-13 preseason victory over Kansas City. "It was definitely cool," Peterson said. "Like I've said all the time, he's a guy I grew up loving [to watch]. Just how he played the game. Been around for so long and to be out there taking handoffs from him it's kind of [like], 'Dang, Brett Favre is really our quarterback.'" Peterson reiterated he was very happy to get 10 carries on Friday after taking only four ..."

A bump in his workload lets Peterson sharpen his game

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August 24

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Adrian Peterson lobbied the Vikings coaching staff to allow him more than just a brief appearance in the team's preseason opener at Indianapolis, but that wasn't going to happen. The Pro Bowl running back got his wish Friday with more extended work in the team's 17-13 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs. Peterson carried the ball 10 times for 44 yards before being removed at the end of the second quarter. Peterson, who had four carries against the Colts, said he likes to get work in preseason games. He had seven carries on a 15-play scoring drive in the second quarter. "Aw, man, if you would have asked Coach [Brad] Childress I would have played the third and fourth quarters," Peterson ..."

Adrian Peterson's locker neighbor: Brett Favre

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August 23

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Adrian Peterson has a special new neighbor in the Vikings' locker room at Winter Park. Yep, No. 4. Maybe it's fitting that Brett Favre's locker is next to Peterson's, given that they're the faces of the franchise and the two most important players on offense. Peterson wants to get on the same page with Favre as quickly as possible. He knows it will take some time for Favre to get to know his new teammates' tendencies on the field. "He's right next door to me, so I get a little more one-on-one time with him, so I'm going to take advantage of it," Peterson said. Peterson didn't orchestrate the convenient pairing in the locker room, "but if I could have, I would have." Chuckled defensive ..."

Peterson keeps passing game on his to-do list

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August 2

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"As many of the Vikings worked on special teams assignments early in Saturday's practice, running back Adrian Peterson and his position coach, Eric Bieniemy, made their way to a vacant portion of Field 1 on the Minnesota State Mankato campus. Bieniemy then spent time working with Peterson on running routes out of the backfield and the necessary footwork that is required. "Route running is key for him," offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. "As many balls as he can catch is key for him, as well as just his run-game footwork. We talk about that often. About the steps he is taking, how he presents himself at the hole and how he sets up his block." Peterson, the NFL's leading rusher with ..."

Peterson's build looks the same

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August 1

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson alarmed some people, including coach Brad Childress, when he said earlier in the offseason that he wanted to add some bulk to his build. But Peterson didn't look any bigger during his first full day of practices at training camp Friday. So what did he learn? "Not to talk about my weight," Peterson said before flashing a smile. For the record, Peterson tipped the scales at 220 pounds, not the 230 he mentioned as a possibility a few months ago. More important, Peterson said he shifted his weight better, adding a couple of pounds in the "right spots," including his legs, arms and upper body. "I'm feeling good. I'm not feeling too heavy," Peterson ..."

Peterson focuses on demands of the job

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May 21

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Adrian Peterson has enjoyed the attention from companies wanting him to endorse their products during his two NFL seasons, and it certainly was flattering that various organizations requested his presence. The checks that showed up for this type of work likely didn't hurt either. But all of it came with a price, and both Peterson and Vikings coach Brad Childress knew it. That's why Childress said at the NFL scouting combine in February that the Pro Bowl running back already had made changes in how he would spend his time this offseason. Rest and a focus on improving himself as a football player would become more of a priority. On Wednesday, Peterson made it clear he has stuck to that plan. ..."

Childress not wild about Peterson at 230 pounds

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April 10

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brad Childress said he doesn't mind if Adrian Peterson gains weight, but the Vikings coach said it's probably unrealistic to think the Pro Bowl running back will reach his stated goal of 230 pounds. "Well, you know what, 230 is awful big," Childress said Wednesday. "They are not required to weigh in right now, but I can tell you that he doesn't look any different, maybe even a little bit thinner right now." Listed last season at 6-1 and 217 pounds, Peterson said he hopes to gain 7 to 12 pounds with a goal of beginning next season weighing between 225 and 230 pounds. He hopes the extra weight will enable him to better withstand the punishment he takes. "I'd encourage him to play at whatever ..."

Minnesota Vikings coach weighs in on ideal weight for star running back Adrian Peterson

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April 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings coach Brad Childress isn't too concerned about Adrian Peterson's desire to add some size during the offseason. But he doesn't want the Pro Bowl running back playing at 230 pounds, either, the high end of Peterson's expressed range. Peterson said this week that he would like to go from his current weight of 217 or 218 pounds to 225 or 230 before next season. "You know what, 230's awful big," Childress said Wednesday. "From 17 to 30, just put a 10-pound sack of potatoes on your back and think about how that works for you. They're not required to weigh in right now, but I can tell you he doesn't look any different. Maybe even a little bit thinner right now than when he left (at the ..."

Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson wants to add weight before training camp

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April 8

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"Adrian Peterson hasn't changed his mind about putting on weight for training camp. The Vikings' Pro Bowl running back said Tuesday he weighs about 217 or 218 pounds but would like to be between 225 and 230. "Just to see how it feels before the season starts, to see how it is when I run, cut, do different things," Peterson said. "I'm going to continue to work out. This is the time of year to really get down and dirty, to really start pumping." He doesn't believe the extra pounds would affect his speed. Peterson was at the Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday night to make the ceremonial "Let's Play Hockey" pregame call for the Wild-Dallas Stars game. The ovation he received was as loud as for any ..."

Adrian Peterson would like to play at 230 pounds

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April 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings running back Adrian Peterson said Tuesday night that he hopes to enter next season weighing as much as 230 pounds in an effort to better withstand the punishment he endures over the course of a season. Peterson's weight gain was one of several topics he discussed during a brief interview in the press box at Xcel Energy Center. The Pro Bowl running back attended his first hockey game as he made the "Let's Play Hockey" call before the Wild's game against the Dallas Stars. "I'm excited to watch the game and see how the sport is," Peterson said. "I know it's a physical sport. I know I'm going to love that part of the game." Peterson loves contact on the football field, and he hopes to ..."

Adrian Peterson would like to play at 230 pounds

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April 8

Beaver County Times

"Vikings running back Adrian Peterson said Tuesday night that he hopes to enter next season weighing as much as 230 pounds in an effort to better withstand the punishment he endures over the course of a season. Peterson's weight gain was one of several topics he discussed during a brief interview in the press box at Xcel Energy Center. The Pro Bowl running back attended his first hockey game as he made the "Let's Play Hockey" call before the Wild's game against the Dallas Stars. "I'm excited to watch the game and see how the sport is," Peterson said. "I know it's a physical sport. I know I'm going to love that part of the game." Peterson loves contact on the football field, and he hopes to ..."

Vikings coach Brad Childress urges Adrian Peterson to ease his itinerary

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February 21

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings coach Brad Childress would like running back Adrian Peterson to slow down — off the football field. In answering a question about how Peterson can get on the field more on third downs in 2009, Childress told reporters that the running back was "pulled in a lot of different directions, by his own admission." Given his popularity coming out of the University of Oklahoma and after a brilliant rookie season, Peterson established himself as one of the NFL's most popular players. "He literally could do an event and crisscross the United States and probably the globe every day and get paid astronomical amounts of money," Childress said. "But there's a price to pay for that in terms of ..."

Vikings have talent to compete with best

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January 16

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Sid Hartman

"Brad Childress looks at the teams remaining in the NFL playoffs, and the Vikings coach believes that when his team played its best football, it could compete with any other team in the league. Looking back at the 26-14 first-round playoff loss to the Eagles, the Vikings went into the game without the best linebacker in the league in E.J. Henderson, a Pro Bowl defensive tackle in Pat Williams and a starting defensive end in Ray Edwards. Then, during the game, they lost safety Darren Sharper to injury in the first half. And despite a very average performance by quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, the Vikings stayed in contention until the fourth quarter. Give the Vikings a healthy group of ..."

After two scores in first half, Peterson is shut down in second

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January 5

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Adrian Peterson made history in the first half Sunday. He was a nonfactor in the second half. The running back's day-and-night performance mirrored that of the Vikings offense in a 26-14 loss to the Eagles in a playoff game Sunday at the Metrodome. Peterson gained only 17 yards on eight carries in the second half after rushing for 66 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. So what changed? "We had opportunities to make big plays, but we weren't able to capitalize on them," he said. Peterson had a rough start. His first two runs went for minus-1 yards. He gained 2 yards on his third carry, but he took a shot to the head by safety Brian Dawkins and had to leave the game briefly. But on ..."

Vikings' offensive line led the way for NFL's best

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January 3

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"First there was Bryant McKinnie, sidelined for the first four games of the season after the NFL suspended him for personal conduct violations. Then there was Ryan Cook, benched for sloppy play only to return as a starter one week later so Artis Hicks' torn triceps could heal. And during all of that there was one, then two, quarterback swaps. The Vikings' offensive line adjusted to something different seemingly every week this season, but the group still managed to block for the NFL's leading rusher in Adrian Peterson, and that, offensive line coach Pat Morris said, might be all that matters. Before the season began, analysts predicted Minnesota's offensive line would be one of the best ..."

Award glass is half-full

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January 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Nobody inside the Vikings locker room seemed surprised that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning won the NFL's Most Valuable Player award for the third time on Friday. The fact that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson finished tied for fourth with only three votes raised some eyebrows, however. Despite winning the league rushing title, Peterson received one fewer vote than Atlanta's Michael Turner, who finished No. 2 in rushing but had seven more rushing touchdowns than Peterson. "That's ridiculous," wide receiver Sidney Rice said. "Absurd. He's the leading rusher. There's been a couple of times where he's put us on his back and carried us." Peterson, who could have earned a ..."

Yo, Adrian! Viking Star 'A Highlight Reel'

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December 28

New York Post

"The superlatives were coming fast and furious this week as the Giants took a look on film and then offered their opinions on Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, the NFL's leading rusher with 1,657 yards. "He would get our vote [for MVP]," Antonio Pierce said. "You watch on film and it is a highlight reel." Last week, the Giants struggled dealing with Panthers backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, whose 2,117 combined yards are the most by teammates this season. They combined for 137 yards and Williams ran for four touchdowns, but the Giants won in overtime, 34-28. This afternoon, the assignment for the Giants defense is to contain Peterson and Chester Taylor, who have combined ..."

Former Viking Robert Smith's tip for fumble-prone Adrian Peterson: Hold it tight

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December 23

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"There isn't much that Robert Smith doesn't like about his successor as the Vikings' all-time leading rusher. But Adrian Peterson did something against the Atlanta Falcons that was alarming to Smith. "A couple of the times, he gets the ball away from his body," said Smith, who last week stumped for Peterson's inclusion as a candidate for most valuable player. "You just can't do that. You have to get comfortable with the ball against the frame of your body. "He just wasn't holding it tight." Peterson needed only 14 games this season to break Smith's single-season team record of 1,521 rushing yards, and he already has matched Smith's two Pro Bowl selections. Yet Smith has a handle on ..."

Fumbles are a troubling trend

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December 22

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings coach Brad Childress often refers to turnover margin as the No. 1 statistic in football, and that could not have been more painfully obvious on Sunday. The Vikings fumbled the ball seven times -- no, that's not a misprint -- and lost four in a sloppy 24-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at the Metrodome. "That's unheard of," Vikings wide receiver Bobby Wade said. "I don't know a team in history that can win a game if you turn it over seven times. Fumbling the ball seven times. I don't know how many times we lost it? Four? You're not going to win many games like that." Against a Falcons team ranked 31st in the NFL in takeways, the seven fumbles were the second most in a game in Vikings ..."