Fullback key to Adrian Peterson's success

[Mothman]

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_ ... ns-success

For years, Adrian Peterson has insisted he would rather run out of a single-back set rather than follow a traditional lead blocker. As recently as Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings tailback said: "My preference is to be back there myself."

That might indeed be the case, but not even Peterson can argue with the success the Vikings have had this season when using a fullback -- usually Jerome Felton but sometimes tight end Rhett Ellison -- in the backfield with him. Keith Hawkins of ESPN Stats & Information provided the numbers in the chart, and there is no doubting the bottom line.

Peterson is averaging 7.2 yards per carry this season when he has a lead blocker and 3.3 yards per carry when he does not. He has gained 985 of his 1,286 yards out of the two-back set, including 13 of his 14 runs that have gone for 20-plus yards.

Wow! That's a surprisingly huge difference.

[losperros]

The stats surprise me as well. Could there be other reasons for those stats? Or is an extra blocker providing that much of an impact?

[mondry]

The stats surprise me as well. Could there be other reasons for those stats? Or is an extra blocker providing that much of an impact?

The one thing it doesn't say that I think is likely, is that a far greater percentage of his runs have been with a lead blocker.

I have noticed a HUGE difference with Felton though. Between him and Tahi is like night and day. He finds the hole, get's to the next level and destroys the most likely tackler. I always felt Tahi rarely picked up the right guy and if he did, never completed a block anyway and that same guy would still often make tackles.

Fullback is not a glorious position and when we signed felton I don't think anyone expected much but he has made a HUGE difference in the run game so kudos to spielman for that pick up.

[mansquatch]

It might be a bigger hole, it might be that Felton is taking up the first guy so AP only has to make the 2nd guy miss. Who knows? When we've let him run (Musgrave...SIGH) he has been in the 2nd level quite a bit.

Hopefully our Offensive PLaycaller will read that article...

[Mothman]

The one thing it doesn't say that I think is likely, is that a far greater percentage of his runs have been with a lead blocker.

It's about a 2:1 ratio so he'd definitely had more opportunities in the 2 back set but as you said, Felton makes a difference. he's a huge upgrade over Tahi, who was pretty useless. Ellison has done a great job too.

[glg]

I have noticed a HUGE difference with Felton though. Between him and Tahi is like night and day. He finds the hole, get's to the next level and destroys the most likely tackler. I always felt Tahi rarely picked up the right guy and if he did, never completed a block anyway and that same guy would still often make tackles.

Maybe that's part of it, AD still has bad memories of Tahi. To me it seemed like Tahi would just get stuffed in the hole, causing AD to have to cut back and find somewhere else to go.

[PurpleMustReign]

Felton is probably the best FA pickup from this past offseason. He is so much better than Tahi it is almost comical.

[S197]

If this is the case, I wonder why the Vikings don't try an overload set with an extra lineman like Chicago was doing all game with Carimi. I know the Vikings run these formations but there's a big difference between having say, Fusco or Schwartz in as an extra vs John Carlson.

[PurpleMustReign]

If this is the case, I wonder why the Vikings don't try an overload set with an extra lineman like Chicago was doing all game with Carimi. I know the Vikings run these formations but there's a big difference between having say, Fusco or Schwartz in as an extra vs John Carlson.

Because, it would make sense, silly.

[Infinity]

Fullbacks never really get enough credit but they can make a huge difference. BUT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF WE NEVER RUN THE BALL!!

[saint33]

If this is the case, I wonder why the Vikings don't try an overload set with an extra lineman like Chicago was doing all game with Carimi. I know the Vikings run these formations but there's a big difference between having say, Fusco or Schwartz in as an extra vs John Carlson.

They did this at least once a few games ago, Schwartz was an eligible receiver

[S197]

They did this at least once a few games ago, Schwartz was an eligible receiver

Interesting. I don't recall that, only having Guion in the backfield a few times but that was a while ago.

[PurpleKoolaid]

One of the few good FA signings by Spielman. You really dont need to make big holes for AD, just a seam, and then get the heck out of his way.

[dead_poet]

How 'bout this block?

http://www.mobypicture.com/user/Vikings ... w/14352095

[PurpleMustReign]

How 'bout this block?

http://www.mobypicture.com/user/Vikings ... w/14352095

Day-ummm!!!