Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson is back in a big way

Adrian Peterson’s first game of the 2015 regular season was a mediocre performance with just 31 yards on 10 attempts in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

We’ll call that shaking the rust off.

Since Week 1, the Peterson has had 260 yards on the ground. He is averaging 4.9 yards per attempt, which is a full 1.8 yards per attempt higher than he had in the Week 1 game against the Niners.

Now, I’ve outlined how Teddy Bridgewater is the perfect complement to Adrian Peterson, but he can only be the perfect complement if Peterson plays like Peterson.

ALSO ON SPIN ZONE: Where does Teddy Bridgewater rank among QBs?

In Week 3 vs. the San Diego Chargers, we saw a return to vintage Adrian Peterson.

126 yards on just 20 carries was more than enough to prove that Peterson has returned to form. He racked up a ridiculous 6.3 yards per attempt and scored two touchdowns in the process. He was also explosive, breaking a monster 43-yarder during the game.

If there was any question before about whether Adrian Peterson has returned, it can now safely be put to bed.

Pro Football Focus graded Peterson with a +3.7 for Week 3, making him the highest graded halfback in the league for the week. PFF’s Sam Monson went further in depth, saying:

"This was his highest-graded performance since he put 211 yards on the Bears in Week 13 of the 2013 season, and may be a sign that the rust has finally been shaken off. For a Vikings team that looks pretty well-rounded through three weeks heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Broncos, that’s a really good sign."

A strong performance from Adrian Peterson allows the Minnesota Vikings to put up impressive offensive numbers and score more points. The 31 points the Vikes put up on the San Diego Chargers was the most so far this season and I believe it is a strong indicator that the Vikings offense can really hum along with Peterson’s clearly triumphant return.

For the Vikings, this is exactly what they needed. They’re a pretty complete team and having Peterson back to his usual, historically-great way is what will help get them over the hump in the NFC North and into the playoffs, ready to take on the best talent in the NFL.

For fantasy football owners with Peterson on their teams, this is an excellent boost at a vital position. Getting consistent, 100+ yard games and now getting touchdowns as well will help get the lucky owners over the hump in their leagues.

With a great running back like Peterson back in the NFL, we get to see some running that is truly transcendent in comparison to his peers. Peterson is a ridiculously successful runner and he’s back right where he should be: leading all halfbacks in yards on the ground.

Next: Teddy Bridgewater completes the Minnesota Vikings offense

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