CaP'N GRuNGe Posted October 17, 2007 Share Posted October 17, 2007 Jim Souhan: Coy coach says Peterson is not 'the man' yet By Jim Souhan, Star Tribune Most of us watch Adrian Peterson leave tacklers flailing like drowning men and see the best pure running back the Vikings have ever had, the best athlete in the Twin Cities, and the newly crowned NFC offensive player of the week. That is why we are not equipped to coach an NFL team. We see the best runner in the NFL. Brad Childress, being an experienced football man, sees the backup running back the Vikings have been missing ever since Rick Fenney last pulled a hamstring. "Yeah, he's a number two," Childress said Monday. "That's how he is. It doesn't bother him, it doesn't bother me. I don't know -- if it bothers you guys, it will give you an article to write." It's the best kind of article -- the kind celebrating the flexibility of a coaching mind that can look at the top rusher in the NFL -- and it's not close -- and see the next Allen Rice. This is a historic week for Peterson. He set a team record for rushing yards with 224 on 20 carries on Sunday in the victory over the Bears. He's the first Vikings rookie to win the NFC offensive player of the week award since Randy Moss thrashed the Cowboys in Dallas in 1998, and this week Peterson, an East Texan, returns to his home state to play for the first time in iconic and drafty Texas Stadium. We see the No. 1 rusher in the NFL; Childress sees the No. 2 guy on his depth chart. We see the guy who can salvage a season, save a coach and build a stadium. Brad sees Alfred Anderson. Give him credit -- Childress' strategy confounded the once-proud Bears defense on Sunday. After seeing Chester Taylor carry the ball, the Bears couldn't quite grasp the speed at which Peterson moved. While the Bears were waiting for dial-up, Peterson went all ethernet on them. laughing.gif Most of us would think asking Peterson to be a backup is a bit like asking Jimi Hendrix to play rhythm guitar, or Luciano Pavarotti to hum in the background, but it worked. Peterson went through the Bears like seed through a goose. Monday afternoon, in the Vikings' locker room, Peterson's teammates sounded relieved, knowing they have finally found the backup running back they were looking for. "He's the best backup I've ever seen," said cornerback Antoine Winfield. "Yes," said quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, "we have the best backup running back in the NFL." Winfield and Jackson were smiling as they spoke. Maybe they were thinking of Frank Caliendo's John Madden impersonation, because this is serious stuff. You can't win in the NFL without a great backup running back. Remember those great Cowboys teams, led by Troy Hambrick? Remember the Steel Curtain dynasty, led by Reggie Harrison? "Adrian," Jackson said, "looks like a grown man playing in a Pee Wee game." It takes a true football insider to look at Peterson and see Ted Brown. But it's important for Peterson to play his role. You can't have him make the first carry of the game -- he might break the play for an 80-yard touchdown, and Pat Williams might have to take the field before he's done with his baby back ribs. laughing.gif Plus, Erasmus James apparently has a problem with starting running backs, and you don't want him taking a swing at Peterson's collarbone. Having shown the nation that he's a Moss with manners, Peterson will try to establish himself further as a quality backup running back on Sunday in his home state. Peterson is entering what Dennis Green used to call "rarified air." Sure, fans all over the country are comparing him to Eric Dickerson or Walter Payton. Blessed with Brad's vision, we in Minnesota know better. We know Peterson has a chance to make us forget all about D.J. Dozier. Jim Souhan can be heard Sundays from 10 a.m.-noon on AM-1500 KSTP. • jsouhan@startribune.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hat Trick Posted October 17, 2007 Share Posted October 17, 2007 (edited) The ONLY reason and I mean ONLY that Childress stays hardlined with all this and is making a mockery of the media with his stupid comments is because he doesn't want to wear out his stud. Or he's just that stupid. <punchline> Edited October 17, 2007 by Hat Trick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystykoekaki Posted October 17, 2007 Share Posted October 17, 2007 While the Bears were waiting for dial-up, Peterson went all ethernet on them. laughing.gif What the hell? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
broncosn05 Posted October 17, 2007 Share Posted October 17, 2007 What the hell? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolv Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 You can throw MJD and MB3 into that mix too..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomfin2000 Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 I'm no fan of Brad Childress, but after watching the Oilers litterally run Earl Campbell into the ground as a kid, I have no desire to see a talent like Peterson get over 300 carries. In fact, seeing him returning kicks pisses me off, even if he did set up the game winning field goal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahawks21 Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Childress isn't stupid. Knowing they don't have a very good passing game, it is too tempting to give the kid the ball 30+ times a game. Especially since he has a history of injuries, they are just keeping AD on a "pitch count". They are showing the veteran the respect that he has earned, and showing Peterson and the rest of the young players that it takes more than a good game to earn a job on their football team. He got 24 touches last game to Chester's 20, or something very close to that, and got the touches down the stretch when they needed tough yards. I don't see how you could design a better plan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziachild007 Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 You can throw MJD and MB3 into that mix too..... Well.......not really. Peterson is running probably better than any other back in the league right now. There is no one else taking advantage of the carries being given like he is. Rank Player Team Pos Att Att/G Yds Avg Yds/G TD Lng 1st 1st% 20+ 40+ FUM [b]1 Adrian Peterson[/b] MIN RB 96 19.2 607 6.3 121.4 4 73T 23 24.0 5 3 1 2 LaDainian Tomlinson SD RB 122 20.3 527 4.3 87.8 6 41T 31 25.4 4 1 0 3 Ronnie Brown MIA RB 102 17.0 526 5.2 87.7 4 60 34 33.3 2 1 0 4 Willis McGahee BAL RB 127 21.2 525 4.1 87.5 1 37 23 18.1 2 0 1 5 Edgerrin James ARI RB 129 21.5 522 4.0 87.0 4 27 27 20.9 2 0 2 6 Willie Parker PIT RB 121 24.2 507 4.2 101.4 1 25 23 19.0 6 0 2 7 Travis Henry DEN RB 102 20.4 498 4.9 99.6 1 33 25 24.5 2 0 1 8 LaMont Jordan OAK RB 102 20.4 466 4.6 93.2 2 33 22 21.6 4 0 0 9 Derrick Ward NYG RB 94 15.7 421 4.5 70.2 2 44 19 20.2 2 1 0 10 Thomas Jones NYJ RB 112 18.7 420 3.8 70.0 0 36 21 18.8 1 0 1 11 Shaun Alexander SEA RB 116 19.3 413 3.6 68.8 2 22 19 16.4 3 0 1 12 Brian Westbrook PHI RB 71 17.8 411 5.8 102.8 2 27 19 26.8 4 0 0 13 Joseph Addai IND RB 84 21.0 407 4.8 101.8 5 17 26 31.0 0 0 0 14 DeShaun Foster CAR RB 97 16.2 404 4.2 67.3 1 20 21 21.6 1 0 2 15 Larry Johnson KC RB 115 19.2 394 3.4 65.7 1 37 15 13.0 4 0 1 16 Sammy Morris NE RB 85 14.2 384 4.5 64.0 3 49 24 28.2 1 1 0 [b]17 Marion Barber[/b] DAL RB 65 10.8 383 5.9 63.8 4 54 18 27.7 3 2 018 Jamal Lewis CLE RB 77 15.4 382 5.0 76.4 2 66T 11 14.3 4 2 2 19 Marshawn Lynch BUF RB 100 20.0 373 3.7 74.6 3 23T 16 16.0 1 0 0 20 Cedric Benson CHI RB 119 19.8 370 3.1 61.7 2 16 20 16.8 0 0 3 21 Clinton Portis WAS RB 86 17.2 363 4.2 72.6 3 19T 18 20.9 0 0 3 [b]22 Maurice Jones-Drew[/b] JAC RB 54 10.8 307 5.7 61.4 3 57T 12 22.2 4 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
untateve Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 As an owner in a dynasty league, I'll gladly settle for 20 carries and 200+ yard each week. Thrown in a TD or two and be quite content. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fballfreak Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 If Benson sucks it up like he has been agaisnt a tough Philly run D this weekend, expect Peterson to start getting more involved in the running game starting next week. I'm thinking of picking him up to handcuff the bust Benson who hasn't helped me at all this season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystykoekaki Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 If Benson sucks it up like he has been agaisnt a tough Philly run D this weekend, expect Peterson to start getting more involved in the running game starting next week. I'm thinking of picking him up to handcuff the bust Benson who hasn't helped me at all this season. wake your ass up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fballfreak Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 wake your ass up. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Childress isn't stupid. Knowing they don't have a very good passing game, it is too tempting to give the kid the ball 30+ times a game. Especially since he has a history of injuries, they are just keeping AD on a "pitch count". They are showing the veteran the respect that he has earned, and showing Peterson and the rest of the young players that it takes more than a good game to earn a job on their football team. He got 24 touches last game to Chester's 20, or something very close to that, and got the touches down the stretch when they needed tough yards. I don't see how you could design a better plan. I believe the official numbers were Chester 22 carries and AP 20. I'd agree with saving him and the "pitch count" theory, but having him return punts flies in the face of that altogether. Can you really claim that they are worried about his injured past and then admit that they put him on kick returns (where no other starting RB plays) in the same breath? Childress could be a politician with this kind of doublespeak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystykoekaki Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 (edited) I believe the official numbers were Chester 22 carries and AP 20. I'd agree with saving him and the "pitch count" theory, but having him return punts flies in the face of that altogether. Can you really claim that they are worried about his injured past and then admit that they put him on kick returns (where no other starting RB plays) in the same breath? Childress could be a politician with this kind of doublespeak. He's not the starting RB. Edited October 18, 2007 by Mystykoekaki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahawks21 Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 I believe the official numbers were Chester 22 carries and AP 20. I'd agree with saving him and the "pitch count" theory, but having him return punts flies in the face of that altogether. Can you really claim that they are worried about his injured past and then admit that they put him on kick returns (where no other starting RB plays) in the same breath? Childress could be a politician with this kind of doublespeak. They seem to be trying to limit him to 20-25 touches. They obviously think that he is dangerous enough in the return game to warrant a few of these touches coming via the kicking game. And golly-gosh-darn, they were correct. Amazing how stupid these coaches are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpinalTapp Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 (edited) If Benson sucks it up like he has been agaisnt a tough Philly run D this weekend, expect Peterson to start getting more involved in the running game starting next week. I'm thinking of picking him up to handcuff the bust Benson who hasn't helped me at all this season. Word. If Lovie Smith does not Start Peterson over Benson this week, after what Peterson did last week vs Minnesota on Sunday, I will never watch another Bears game again. ;o) Edited October 18, 2007 by SpinalTapp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolv Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Well.......not really. Peterson is running probably better than any other back in the league right now. There is no one else taking advantage of the carries being given like he is. Rank Player Team Pos Att Att/G Yds Avg Yds/G TD Lng 1st 1st% 20+ 40+ FUM [b]1 Adrian Peterson[/b] MIN RB 96 19.2 607 6.3 121.4 4 73T 23 24.0 5 3 1 2 LaDainian Tomlinson SD RB 122 20.3 527 4.3 87.8 6 41T 31 25.4 4 1 0 3 Ronnie Brown MIA RB 102 17.0 526 5.2 87.7 4 60 34 33.3 2 1 0 4 Willis McGahee BAL RB 127 21.2 525 4.1 87.5 1 37 23 18.1 2 0 1 5 Edgerrin James ARI RB 129 21.5 522 4.0 87.0 4 27 27 20.9 2 0 2 6 Willie Parker PIT RB 121 24.2 507 4.2 101.4 1 25 23 19.0 6 0 2 7 Travis Henry DEN RB 102 20.4 498 4.9 99.6 1 33 25 24.5 2 0 1 8 LaMont Jordan OAK RB 102 20.4 466 4.6 93.2 2 33 22 21.6 4 0 0 9 Derrick Ward NYG RB 94 15.7 421 4.5 70.2 2 44 19 20.2 2 1 0 10 Thomas Jones NYJ RB 112 18.7 420 3.8 70.0 0 36 21 18.8 1 0 1 11 Shaun Alexander SEA RB 116 19.3 413 3.6 68.8 2 22 19 16.4 3 0 1 12 Brian Westbrook PHI RB 71 17.8 411 5.8 102.8 2 27 19 26.8 4 0 0 13 Joseph Addai IND RB 84 21.0 407 4.8 101.8 5 17 26 31.0 0 0 0 14 DeShaun Foster CAR RB 97 16.2 404 4.2 67.3 1 20 21 21.6 1 0 2 15 Larry Johnson KC RB 115 19.2 394 3.4 65.7 1 37 15 13.0 4 0 1 16 Sammy Morris NE RB 85 14.2 384 4.5 64.0 3 49 24 28.2 1 1 0 [b]17 Marion Barber[/b] DAL RB 65 10.8 383 5.9 63.8 4 54 18 27.7 3 2 018 Jamal Lewis CLE RB 77 15.4 382 5.0 76.4 2 66T 11 14.3 4 2 2 19 Marshawn Lynch BUF RB 100 20.0 373 3.7 74.6 3 23T 16 16.0 1 0 0 20 Cedric Benson CHI RB 119 19.8 370 3.1 61.7 2 16 20 16.8 0 0 3 21 Clinton Portis WAS RB 86 17.2 363 4.2 72.6 3 19T 18 20.9 0 0 3 [b]22 Maurice Jones-Drew[/b] JAC RB 54 10.8 307 5.7 61.4 3 57T 12 22.2 4 2 1 Oh I certainly agree. But as far as #2 backs on a team go, MB3 (5.9 ypc) and MJD (5.7 ypc) are ranked 2nd and 4th in the league in ypc ave - putting them in elite company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sturphy Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 When Minnesota selected Peterson in the draft, I immediately thought, "aw crap.... we'll have to face him twice a year till he retires". The injuries have been a concern with this guy, but wow. He was a man among toddlers playing at OU, and now he's a man among small boys. The worst part, as a Packer fan, is that I can't hate him yet. He's appears to be a stand-up guy. I guess after the first 150/2 game against the Packers, I can start hating him. It was easier with Randy, that's for sure. I wish Ted Thompson had made some sort of trade to get us up there to draft him. Of course, then we'd be talking about why he's underachieving! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swiss Cheezhead Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Childress isn't stupid. You lost me right there. Well, truth be told, you lost me a long time ago (circa 2004, when Reggie Williams was about to become the next Cris Carter), so I suppose you're being consistent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 You lost me right there. Well, truth be told, you lost me a long time ago (circa 2004, when Reggie Williams was about to become the next Cris Carter), so I suppose you're being consistent. I personally like what Childress is doing with the team and think Jackson can be a .....solid QB if given a WR with elite potential... they have the OL, ground game and the ability to stop the run....if they could score more in the passing game, I think their pass defense could get some pressure taken off as opposing teams would become one dimensional and have to worry about ADP off-setting a "decent" passing attack... all they need is a decent pass attack and a better #2 corner....or maybe another player who can make an impact in the pass rush to help the secondary....but I like their DL.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swiss Cheezhead Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 I forgot to add how much I liked that story by Souhan. One of the best pieces of journalism I've seen in a long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahawks21 Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 You lost me right there. Well, truth be told, you lost me a long time ago (circa 2004, when Reggie Williams was about to become the next Cris Carter), so I suppose you're being consistent. He is the next Cris Carter!! All he does is catch touchdowns!!! Well, and fumble. And, yeah. Any day now, Reggie is due for one of those 13 catch, 230 yard games!! And when he does, we will be dancing along with every catch!! As far as Childress, he really isn't stupid. A guy doesn't get the reputation he has around the league of being an offensive guru by being an idiot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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