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Minnesota Vikings: Could Adrian Peterson Make History?

By Russell S. Baxter

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It’s the million dollar question in the Twin Cities these days.

Scratch that. Make that the multi-million dollar question (as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk told us last week) in Minnesota.

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Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports spoke with Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer on Monday about what we can expect to see from veteran running back Adrian Peterson this upcoming season.

“Adrian’s going to get the heavy workload,” said the second-year head coach this past weekend. “So, the other guys are going to fight for their reps.

So what are we talking about in terms of carries/touches for the talented performer?

“As much as he can take, and as much as he can handle in all the things that we’re doing.” added Zimmer when asked by Pelissero. “Obviously, we’re going to have to spell him at times like you do a lot of guys. But we get down on the goal line, and we’re probably not pulling him out, you know?”

“He’s our best player, and we’re going to continue to use him.”

May 27, 2015; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer speaks to his team at practice at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Over the weekend, the eight-year pro spoke with Mike Wobschall of Vikings.com and as you will hear, Peterson’s goal for 2015 is a number we have heard in the past – rushing for 2,500 yards.

Could he possibly do it? In this day and age, we have learned to say that nothing is impossible.

Some would say the odds are against him as Peterson, who turned 30 years old four months ago, has hit that not-so-magical number when it comes to running backs.

Jul 27, 2015; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) talks with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) before drills at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

But don’t be fooled by that statistic. When it comes to the position, it’s the number of carries that wear down running backs, not birthday candles. Since his magical year of 2012 when he totaled 2,097 yards on 348 carries, Peterson has played in a total of 15 games the past two seasons and has amassed only 300 combined rushing attempts.

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Here’s a little more history. Including the six-time Pro Bowler’s aforementioned MVP season from three years ago, only six other players have rushed for at least 2,000 yards in a single season. That includes Pro Football Hall of Famers O.J. Simpson (1973 with the Bills), Eric Dickerson (1984 with the Rams) and Barry Sanders (1997 with the Lions).

Rounding out the group are Denver Broncos’ runner Terrell Davis (1998), Baltimore Ravens’ star Jamal Lewis (2003) and Tennessee Titans running backs Chris Johnson (2009).

Peterson makes out quite the magnificent seven. Now the Vikings workhorse apparently hopes to do something never achieved in NFL annals – run for 2,000-plus yards in a season for a second time.

At the very least, it appears that Zimmer and the Vikings will give him every opportunity to reach that mark for the second time in four years.

Next: Minnesota Vikings: If…And…But for 2015

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