Green Bay Packers historically struggle with Adrian Peterson

The return of Adrian Peterson has sent optimism shooting through the Minnesota Vikings fan base, but those around the Green Bay Packers aren’t as thrilled to see the All Pro. No team in football has felt the wrath of Peterson like the Green Bay Packers have since 2007, and it creates a significantly more difficult divisional schedule in 2015.

In 14 career games against the Packers, Peterson has rushed for 1,648 yards, more than he has against any other NFL club. His 302 rushing attempts and 202 career receiving yards are also his highest per-opponent numbers, while his 5.46 yards-per-carry against Green Bay is undeniably strong.

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For the sake of perspective, when these averages are stretched across a 16-game sample size, Peterson would be left with a season of 345 rushing attempts, 1,833 yards and 13 touchdowns. Those are eerily similar to DeMarco Murray‘s 2014 numbers, and the Packers will need to address this chronic struggle when the teams meet on November 22nd in Minnesota and January 3rd in Green Bay.

I fully expect the Vikings to feed Peterson as much as he can handle in 2015, especially when you factor in their ability to cut ties with his contract in the offseason should his body begin to crack. His return is music to the ears of Teddy Bridgewater, as well, who could now be poised for a legitimate breakout campaign. Kyle Rudolph will now be given more room to work through the heart of defenses while Mike Wallace will represent the home run option on every play. Simply put: this offense is for real.

When paired with a young and extremely talented defense, this Vikings team now makes the NFC North one of the league’s most competitive divisions. Assuming that John Fox’s arrival in Chicago can spark some form of life, the division should be void of a true bottom-feeder with Detroit and Minnesota both fully capable of nine or more wins.

For Green Bay, the return of Adrian Peterson could have a visible impact on the role of Clay Matthews. Throughout the early stages of OTA’s, Matthews has swung between the inside and outside positions and that could continue throughout the season depending on the opponent and game situation.

Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) gets away from Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) to avoid a sack in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers kick off their season by facing Matt Forte, Marshawn Lynch and Jamaal Charles, then later cross the paths of Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon and Jonathan Stewart. In situations such as these, defensive coordinator Dom Capers could decide that Mathews’ ability to limit a star running back is more critical to Green Bay’s success than his ability to rush the quarterback.

Of course, this will be a hybrid role that evolves largely bases on down and distance. With a matchup such as Adrian Peterson, for example, Matthews could be used at inside linebacker on downs one and two against the run, then kick outside on third and eight to rush Teddy Bridgewater while the rookie Jake Ryan replaces him on the inside.

I rarely buy in to divisional overreactions, such as a team drafting a cornerback to deal with a rival’s star receiver twice per season. In a division that may be tight, however, the return of Adrian Peterson turns two probable wins into two legitimate threats on the Green Bay schedule.

The first step of this process will be to see which version of Adrian Peterson returns to the field in 2015, but it’s foolish to expect anything less than a top-five runner. Whether the Vikings push for a wildcard spot or not, facing Adrian Peterson in Week 17 at Lambeau Field is a daunting task that Green Bay won’t be looking forward to.

Next: Stats show that Packers offense needs balance

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