Adrian Peterson

[Demi]

I don't know if mentally he's willing to invest the time necessary to get to be a better receiver/blocker either. The coaches aren't going to start giving him those snaps until they can trust him. And they won't be able to trust him until he shows them he can handle those responsibilities, and he hasn't. Will he? Who knows. I doubt it's very much fun for him to take the hits it takes to take that next step and really be an all around back. Not like he really has to, to be honest.

[mondry]

I think they could do a screen or two a game but other than that I'd say no, I'd rather he save his energy and focus on the running game. Ideally we'd have a 3rd down back to compliment Peterson instead of having someone like Gerhart who's more of the same but less effective.

[Mothman]

I think they could do a screen or two a game but other than that I'd say no, I'd rather he save his energy and focus on the running game. Ideally we'd have a 3rd down back to compliment Peterson instead of having someone like Gerhart who's more of the same but less effective.

I don't see him as more of the same. Peterson's more explosive and honestly, what third down back could they get that wouldn't be less effective than the best back in the game ? Most of them would also present a redundant set of skills as a runner since Peterson's a speed back and a power back rolled into one and he has superb cutting ability. I actually think Gerhart makes a rather nice compliment to Peterson, although I suppose a Darren Sproles-type could make a different change of pace.

I'm not concerned about Peterson's focus or energy level. It always seems to run high. I don't think they should have him handling the ball 30 times every week but I sure would't mind seeing more of this in the Vikes passing offense:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajd8-iUjzsM

[Raptorman]

I don't see him as more of the same. Peterson's more explosive and honestly, what third down back could they get that wouldn't be less effective than the best back in the game ? Most of them would also present a redundant set of skills as a runner since Peterson's a speed back and a power back rolled into one and he has superb cutting ability. I actually think Gerhart makes a rather nice compliment to Peterson, although I suppose a Darren Sproles-type could make a different change of pace.

I'm not concerned about Peterson's focus or energy level. It always seems to run high. I don't think they should have him handling the ball 30 times every week but I sure would't mind seeing more of this in the Vikes passing offense:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajd8-iUjzsM

Unfortunately, in today's NFL, his hit on Gay would now bring a penalty flag.

[mondry]

I don't see him as more of the same. Peterson's more explosive and honestly, what third down back could they get that wouldn't be less effective than the best back in the game ? Most of them would also present a redundant set of skills as a runner since Peterson's a speed back and a power back rolled into one and he has superb cutting ability. I actually think Gerhart makes a rather nice compliment to Peterson, although I suppose a Darren Sproles-type could make a different change of pace.

I'm not concerned about Peterson's focus or energy level. It always seems to run high. I don't think they should have him handling the ball 30 times every week but I sure would't mind seeing more of this in the Vikes passing offense:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajd8-iUjzsM

Yep a Darren Sproles, Reggie Bush, Javid Best kind of guy. As for "less effective than the best back in the game" well there are a number of situations that might not apply. 3rd down and 10 I would rather have Darren Sproles in there 100 times out of 100 for his blitz pick up and ability to run routes and be a major threat as a dump off. We don't have that though so oh well!

[Just Me]

He may not be the all-around back we all want him to be BUT if given more opportunities as a receiver, I believe he can improve his receiving skills. I agree his blocking skills suck.

Cut him....now!

[Eliot]

no. Can't get him injured. I'm sure he would do fine but I would just be too scared. I say we get some HB like Darren Sproles and run a 2 HB offense. Where they are both on the field and we either run it with AD or pass it to darren on a screen

[King James]

I would love to see him improve as a blocker. Being a checkdown back is nice too but we rarely see him utilized as one. I bet Peterson will be twice as dangerous catching the ball. Imagine throwing a HB screen to the AD, all of the space that will be in front of him, he will do some serious damage.

[Eli]

I would love to see him improve as a blocker. Being a checkdown back is nice too but we rarely see him utilized as one. I bet Peterson will be twice as dangerous catching the ball.

Peterson's effectiveness as a blocker only really comes into play when you consider his utilization as a third down back.

What we're really talking about is putting Peterson into the passing pattern. I'd like to see them use him this way, but the Viking's passing game and their QB have been so ineffective over that last two seasons that it's almost a moot point. And, as has been said, if you do this you can't also have him carry the ball 25 times.

Imagine throwing a HB screen to the AD, all of the space that will be in front of him, he will do some serious damage.

Hard to imagine a HB screen with Peterson as the receiver. Oh, wait... I guess they actually ran that play about 30 times last season.
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I sure do miss the days of Chuck Foreman. The Vikings have never had another running back who was half as dangerous as a receiver. And I know this is blasphemy among the cult of Peterson disciples, but given the choice for playing football in the NFL in 2013, I'd take Chuck Foreman over Adrian Peterson in a heart beat. If he were playing today with a team like New England or Denver, their offenses would dominate the league.

[Thaumaturgist]

Unfortunately, in today's NFL, his hit on Gay would now bring a penalty flag.

I was thinking the same thing. Unfortunate, isn't it?

[dead_poet]

Anyone see the ESPYs commercial with him and Kalil? Pretty funny.

No. Do you have a link?

[vikeinmontana]

No. Do you have a link?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGAy9CPG40M