Vikings Message Board.Com

Webbfann wrote:It may be even less. We have much (and I mean MUCH) better receivers than AP.

We're not comparing AD to a wide receiver. We're talking about using AD as a third-down back, able to catch passes out of the backfield. We're not going to use Greg Jennings as our third-down back.

I say let him do what he does best.

Make plays. He does that by being on the field. He's had more than one receiving TD. In fact, he's scored a receiving TD in every season save for '08-'09.

And yeah, maybe learn to block better. He probably thinks it's below him because after all he's Adrian Peterson, the guy whose gonna run for 2500 yards and score 20 TDs.

I HIGHLY doubt that. The dude wants to be the best ever. He doesn't have the attitude that comes with your assertion. "Anything to win" is probably more accurate. And adding receiving yards/TDs doesn't hurt his legacy.

Seems rather a narrow-minded viewpoint that everyone thinks a receiving RB has to also be the quintessential 3rd down back. Running backs are permitted to catch passes on 1st and 2nd down as well.

It goes without saying that the Vikings haven't had much creativity on offense in recent years, but they have thrown to Peterson out of the backfield on occasion. If it worked better I think they might have used him more in that role, but he's just not the same dynamic runner after the catch that he is when you hand him the ball.

We're not comparing AD to a wide receiver. We're talking about using AD as a third-down back, able to catch passes out of the backfield. We're not going to use Greg Jennings as our third-down back.

You're talking about throwing the ball to him. There are better people to throw the ball to. Of course there is always a time and place for those out of the backfield catches too. I don't object to using him for that some. Just wouldn't want to do it too much unless he proves it's a smart thing to do. So far I haven't been that impressed with his receiving but with better coaches and better playcalling maybe he can impress me.



Make plays. He does that by being on the field. He's had more than one receiving TD. In fact, he's scored a receiving TD in every season save for '08-'09.

Give him a shot now and then by all means.

And yeah, maybe learn to block better. He probably thinks it's below him because after all he's Adrian Peterson, the guy whose gonna run for 2500 yards and score 20 TDs.

I HIGHLY doubt that. The dude wants to be the best ever. He doesn't have the attitude that comes with your assertion. "Anything to win" is probably more accurate. And adding receiving yards/TDs doesn't hurt his legacy.

He has a legitimate shot at being the best running back ever. I don't think he's in any danger of being the best receiving back.

AD has had numerous chances on to try screens and other receiving plays. Most of them he has failed. He isn't a good receiver. It has nothing to do with the play calling. Maybe at 28-29 years old someone can 'coach him up' to be a better receiver, but im a bit skeptical. He is horrible blocker. In fact, I don't think I have seen a worse RB try and block a blitzing LB. Even Melewde More was better. But AD is one of the best rushers ever. But now hes having nagging injuries. Its time to see if he has any value. If not, its time to see if he is willing to restructure. Now, before its too late. This is a business people. Everything has changed.

Eli wrote:he's just not the same dynamic runner after the catch that he is when you hand him the ball.

This is my fundamental question. WHY? He's doing the same #### thing. Running with the ball. How in the world does it matter if the ball was handed to him or thrown to him? What changes?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3cs9fT_CnM

Start at 1:27-1:45. Then skip ahead to 2:15-2:27. Then 4:23-4:27.

Can Danny Woodhead do that?

dead_poet wrote: This is my fundamental question. WHY? He's doing the same #### thing. Running with the ball. How in the world does it matter if the ball was handed to him or thrown to him? What changes?

He has more vision when running out of the backfield as opposed to catching and running with it? He sees more of the field the entire time? I think catching and running with it just throws him off. Sometimes he just looks plain awkward when he tries to make a catch and take off with it. I agree with Eli. He's just not the same guy when he catches it. It really is unfortunate. He could be that much better if he could be consistent as a receiver. Oh well.

PurpleKoolaid wrote:But now hes having nagging injuries. Its time to see if he has any value. If not, its time to see if he is willing to restructure. Now, before its too late. This is a business people. Everything has changed.

Ah, yes. I think--and hope--that Peterson eventually restructuring is more likely than a trade.

PurpleKoolaid wrote:AD has had numerous chances on to try screens and other receiving plays. Most of them he has failed.

Ha! Please. I think this "AD is a poor receiver" rumor has circulated so much that people are now spouting it as fact. Do people really remember Peterson dropping/muffing a lot of passes? I don't. According to PFF, from 2009-2011, they charted him with 13 drops on 96 receptions. That's not GREAT, but certainly not failing on most of them. Unless 86% = F in your grading system. In 2012 (when he had 40 receptions), he didn't make PFF list of best or worst receiving backs: https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2 ... ing-backs/

I just want him on the field wreaking havoc.

dead_poet wrote: Or maybe Norv will see that Peterson isn't necessarily a liability in this area? I still think he gets a bad rap in terms of catching ability. And his protections have improved. I'm often frustrated at the game's previous MVP standing on the sidelines on crucial third downs.

I also think Asiata will get a look. He looked really good in blitz pickup.

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dead_poet wrote: Ha! Please. I think this "AD is a poor receiver" rumor has circulated so much that people are now spouting it as fact. Do people really remember Peterson dropping/muffing a lot of passes? I don't. According to PFF, from 2009-2011, they charted him with 13 drops on 96 receptions. That's not GREAT, but certainly not failing on most of them. Unless 86% = F in your grading system.

There are far more ways for a pass play, especially a screen pas, to fail beside the receiver dropping the ball. Although those failures may be no fault of Peterson's. The Vikings haven't run many successful RB screens in recent years, due to poor execution and due to QBs who haven't been able to throw a touch pass. If Peterson had been able to catch more balls in stride, I'm sure he'd have had better success.

But a genuinely capable receiving back catches much more than just screens. The Vikings have tried to use Peterson as a downfield receiver and the results have been nothing spectacular.

dead_poet wrote: Mismatches in what area? Tell me what linebacker on Adrian Peterson one-on-one in space isn't grossly overmatched? Peterson wins that battle All Day. I've always felt that, like Harvin on vertical routes, he's been under-utilized on third downs and in the receiving game. I'll give you he doesn't look as smooth as a guy like Woodhead or Vereen catching the ball, but that doesn't mean he can't do it. I'd still rather have AD in the game on third downs. Vereen might catch a first down, but Peterson will likely get you the first down plus (with an increased chance of taking it to the house).

The problem with one on one in space is, how is that space created? If it happens, then sure AD has a favorable matchup but the problem is, as a receiver, space is MADE by that fluidness / smoothness that Woodhead and vereen have. AD is not a good route runner and there is more to pass catching than just following your blocks like he's used to in the running game. The ball has to travel in the air, it has to be caught and secured and only then can he turn up field. That one second of awkwardness allows a linebacker to close on him.

Ha! Please. I think this "AD is a poor receiver" rumor has circulated so much that people are now spouting it as fact.

No, people are spouting it as fact because they've watched him try and be a receiver/blocker for the last 7 years, and watched him fail at it miserably....

ESPN - Adrian Peterson voted by peers player they'd most like to see in a Super Bowl who hasn't been there yet

Get well AP, and let's make it happen!

Report: Vikings RB Adrian Peterson to undergo groin surgery

Posted on Jan 23 via Kyle Smith

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has opted to have surgery on his injured groin, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson.

Peterson, who rushed for 1,266 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, sat out two of the Vikings final three games of the season with the injury.

Although it is unknown when Peterson will undergo the procedure, Anderson says it will happen in "the very near future".

So he will undergo the surgery. Well, I wish him luck and hope for a speedy recovery!

Purple Jesus wrote:How's the recovery on this type of surgery? Will he be back in time for camp? Does it have any lingering issues or possibilities of the injury returning/worsening?

Not sure, but he should be fine for camp. According to USA Today, one option to relieve the groin pain is an abductor release — a minimally invasive procedure that involves cutting an irritated tendon. That procedure would require about a two-month rehab process. Not sure if that's the exact surgery, though.