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A confident Adrian Peterson sees no reason why he can't break the 2,000-yard barrier or even win the MVP this year.

 

 

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

 

Last update: May 16, 2008 - 9:08 AM

 

 

 

 

BRAINERD, MINN. - The Vikings don't report to training camp for another two months, but it's clear Adrian Peterson has put plenty of thought into what he can do for an encore in his second NFL season.

 

That 1,341-yard rushing performance (second in the league) and 12 touchdowns by the running back in 2007? The Offensive Rookie of the Year honors? That is so passé.

 

Peterson's goals for 2008 include a 2,000-yard campaign, an improvement on the 19 catches he had last season and, perhaps, an MVP trophy. "I definitely feel like I can do it," Peterson said Thursday when asked about being voted the league's top player. "Anything is possible. Especially with how my mindset is. I set my bar high. I expect a lot from myself. I'm surrounded by a great group of guys offensively and defensively on both sides, special teams, so it's possible for anything to happen."

 

Peterson was on pace for a 2,000-yard rushing season eight games into his rookie year, but a lateral collateral ligament tear in his right knee suffered Nov. 11 at Green Bay forced him to miss two games. Peterson said Thursday the knee feels "perfectly fine."

 

It felt good enough in February that Peterson rushed for 129 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns for the NFC en route to earning MVP honors at the Pro Bowl. Peterson said that week his goal was to rush for 2,000 yards -- an elite club that includes Eric Dickerson, Jamal Lewis, Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis and O.J. Simpson.

 

"It's something I stay consistent with," Peterson said. "I'd be cheating myself if I kind of set it lower. But 2,000 yards, that's my goal. I'm just going to work hard to give myself an opportunity to reach that goal."

 

 

 

Peterson, standing beside Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, spoke Thursday in the swimming pool area of a Brainerd-area hotel before heading into a luncheon that was filled with people there to see the Vikings' marquee player. Asked if he feels like the face of the franchise, Peterson said: "I do. I do. It's big shoes to fill, but I definitely feel like I'm capable of doing that. I definitely look forward to it."

 

This does not mean Peterson sees himself as a finished product. He admits, "I definitely have a lot to improve," and said he has spent plenty of time this offseason working with running backs coach Eric Bieniemy on improving various facets of his game. This includes pass-blocking, an area that was considered one of Peterson's few weaknesses last season.

 

Peterson said one of his goals is to be on the field in more passing situations in 2008 but quickly points out that veteran running back Chester Taylor "does a great job."

 

Of course, there is the possibility of Peterson and Taylor being on the field at the same time -- something that did not happen frequently last season. Peterson said he is "looking forward" to that possibility and feels that might present opportunities for the Vikings to devise ways to get him the ball via the air more frequently.

 

"That's something I feel like is being worked on," Peterson said. "I have faith in the coaches that they are going to do a great job game planning and coming up with different plays and different schemes. Formations to kind of spread me out a little bit; spread me and Chester out outside the backfield and kind of bring a different twist to the game."

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Trust me.....having your team lose in the SB Sucks just as bad, if not worse than having them lose and get ousted earlier than that.

 

As Vikings fans, we pretty much have both scenarios covered.

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Trust me.....having your team lose in the SB Sucks just as bad, if not worse than having them lose and get ousted earlier than that.

Not even close, at least in Seattle. I am so glad we finally freaking got there. I guess if Superbowls are commonplace for your franchise, it may be different, but if your franchise considers this the biggest accomplishment they have ever had, it definitely is a different feeling than just losing in the playoffs, which the Seahawks have pretty much mastered.

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Trust me.....having your team lose in the SB Sucks just as bad, if not worse than having them lose and get ousted earlier than that.

 

 

Thats just a Randy Moss quote from years ago...don't know when it started or from what...I put it in my sig so you can hear it.

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I can think of a reason why he can't run for 2000. Childress and TJax.

 

Edited: I can think of a few reasons why he can. He's good. :wacko:

 

And Chester Taylor. Remember he can have all these high hopes. But if he does this. That may mean that his career will be short lived.

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Yes he can. I think he can average 125 per game. The biggest factor for anyone to get to a number like that is health. He hasn't made it through a full season in forever. He is talented enough and in a good enough situation to do it, but I would certainly bet against it due to health reasons.

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I was fortunate enough to attend the event as it was in my town. AD said a lot of things that day that did not get quoted. He also said he feels that with the much improved defense the Vikings will be able to pound the ball more and won't be playing catch up. He and Chester should both get more carries as a result. He wants to win and feels that a strong running game is the way to do it. He thinks T-Jax will (has to) be better this year. He also talked about learning to be patient and let his blockers do their job.

 

He is very well spoken, and was great with the kids. My son Eli got to shake his hand and got an autograph on a mini helmet.

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