Minnesota Vikings: Week 12 stock risers
By Luke Sims
Nov 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Vikings defeated the Falcons 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
1) Adrian Peterson, running back, Minnesota Vikings
What more can be said of Adrian Peterson? He’s the workhorse for the Minnesota Vikings running game. He’s the focus of the offense. He’s the league-leading rusher.
He’s pretty much everything.
The Atlanta Falcons knew that. The Atlanta Falcons were focused on stopping Peterson. They knew that stopping Peterson could stop the offense. They even had the best rushing defense in the NFL.
And yet, Adrian Peterson walked all over them to the tune of 158 yards on 29 carries and two touchdowns.
It was such a stomping by the Vikings star that the Falcons’ rush defense went from the best in the NFL in total yardage to ninth (as noted by Pro Football Focus).
This was a statement game by Peterson and the league should take notice. He effectively broadcast that when everything is on the line, against a team who is still vying for the playoffs, nothing can stop him.
After a disappointing week against the Green Bay Packers (45 yards on 13 carries), Peterson need to show that he can bounce back and be the running back we all expect him to be.
He did so and it’s good to see him return to form.
Next: The big guys get it done