Minnesota Vikings: Expectations for Adrian Peterson in 2015

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Jun 14, 2015

For fans of the Minnesota Vikings, the reality that Adrian Peterson will indeed be back playing for the team in 2015 will take some time to sink in. Regardless of his past, nobody can ever knock Peterson for his surreal ability to be one of the best running backs playing today in the NFL. With being gone from NFL action for quite some time, many questions are surfacing as to what to truly expect out of Peterson. What should fans see come Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers?

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It will take some time for him to get acclimated back into the swing of things as he’s definitely kept in physical shape by sticking to his offseason regimen and staying active with personal workouts. While new offensive coordinator Norv Turner is installing a new offensive system for the Vikings, Peterson will also have to adjust to a different style of attack.

Turner is expected to install more of a shotgun-oriented offense that should see Peterson be used slightly more in a receiving role. While the Vikings will also give him the majority of snaps as their premiere running back, Peterson will be continue to be expected to make big plays the moment the football is in his hands whether it is on the ground or through the air.

Peterson effectively has been out of professional football for almost a year now as it is a double-edged sword for him. He missed being in the trenches but was also able to rest his body from the usual wear and tear of being the kind of running back that he is. Bottom line is he should be refreshed and excited to resume football activities once again.

In an article written by Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune, here is what cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said about Peterson’s return to organization:

"“He’s been out of football for almost a whole year, but a guy like him, though … I haven’t been around him in six months. I didn’t know he was going to come back in this type of shape,” Munnerlyn said. “He’s in unbelievable shape, like he never lost a step. And he’s out to prove a point.”"

Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) catches a pass against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Needless to say, Peterson is a man on a mission to prove to the football world that he can bounce back from the off-the-field issues that plagued him all of last year. Now the focus can shift to football as one better believe that Peterson will once again light up the NFL this upcoming season.

With the Vikings and Peterson putting the past behind them, the time is now to continue the momentum the Vikings had last season. With Peterson back in the mix, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will only continue to improve and hone his craft as the next top quarterback in the NFL. Peterson as a receiving option should definitely open up his game even more and elevate everyone around him nicely.

Fans should definitely expect to see a reinvigorated Peterson ready to bring back the much-needed dimension he brings to the Vikings’ offense. Now with a viable running game and all the attributes Peterson will bring to the table with his receiving skills, the Vikings will surely be a team to watch in 2015.

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