NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

What would life be like without Adrian Peterson?

By Ben Ryan

facebooktwitterreddit

Well, as we hear more and more about Adrian Peterson’s future with the Vikings we can assure one thing, and that it’s better than watching grass grow. With rumors coming out day in and day out, it keep us avid readers on the edge of our feet. Almost as exciting as imagining the Raiders winning the Super Bowl next year. Even though everything is up in the air at this point, we can still take a grasp as to what could possibly happen.

For starters, Peterson is still under contract with the Vikings for the 2015 season, which will probably have more money on it than he would get with any other team out there that wants him. However, we know things aren’t on the greatest terms with him and the team. As fans, it’s safe to say most of us would enjoy having Peterson back. But all we can do is play the waiting game.

More from Minnesota Vikings

As fans, we also have to see things from a different end. What are the chances he leaves? Well, there are possibilities that he could leave for the Indianapolis Colts or the Dallas Cowboys. For the Cowboys, it would be crazy to think how it works out. With rumors going around that Demarco Murray has interest in playing somewhere else, a place where can win, he would need to get out of Dallas fast. Then ultimately, the Cowboys would have to take Peterson’s current contract. Which would be $12.75 million for the 2015 season, and theres absolutely no way the Cowboys will trade for him.

Yet again, however, if Peterson does leave, the question still remains.

How well will we do without him? That’s where we begin.

In the 2014 season, the Viking’s obviously had to deal without him. They did fairly well, after all, a 7-9 season was definitely better than they expected. They had a split running back situation with Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon. Ironically, the third-round draft pick McKinnon turned out to be a stud. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry, although he had no touchdowns. That’s where Asiata came in.

Asiata had nine rushing touchdowns last season, that would be third total for all running backs. Behind only Marshawn Lynch and Demarco Murray. Asiata passed McKinnon in rushing yards in the last week of the season. McKinnon gave the Vikings fans some hope from his solid rookie season. It gives the fans something to breath about. They’re in a good position for next year, they need to make the right moves.

Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

At the end of it all, what can Vikings fan expect for the 2015-2016 season?

They can expect McKinnon to be even better than how he did in his rookie season before getting hurt due to lifting weights. Even though he had no touchdowns, he emerged to the seen quickly when he got his first real start against the Atlanta Falcons, where he ran for 135 yards on 18 attempts (with no touchdowns as we realized.)

Regardless, the Vikings could easily turn him and Asiata into a dynamic duo. Almost like a C.J. Spiller/Fred Jackson combination, before LeSean McCoy showed up to Buffalo.

So, as the draft approaches, so does free agency. While McKinnon and Asiata had great seasons combined, don’t be too surprised if you see them together again next year. Without Adrian, again.

Hell, if we’re lucky, McKinnon and Asiata will go off next year. After all they both promised and showed big numbers. If the Viking’s trust them enough, they won’t need to go “soul searching” for a new running back. Granted, theres always the possibility of finding one in free agents, but at this time, it seems very unlikely that they would do that. 

Next: What can Vikings do at OL?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Minnesota Vikings