Adrian Peterson Notes

[Outshined]

Peterson checks in at 220 pounds

July 31st, 2009 – 6:02 PM by Chip Scoggins MANKATO — Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson said he learned a valuable lesson this offseason.

 

“Not to talk about my weight,” he said, smiling.

 

Peterson made headlines this offseason when he said he hoped to add 7 to 12 pounds and report to camp between 225 and 230 pounds. Peterson said the topic got overblown but he did manage to reduce his body fat while adding three pounds.

 

“It was overblown a little bit,” he said. ”That’s one thing I learned I must say. Not to talk about my weight because it’s something you’ll hear about the whole summer.

 

“I came in at 220. I feel like that’s a pretty good weight if I can stay in the 220-range. I’m feeling good. I’m not feeling too heavy. I put on some good weight this offseason. I’m just ready to get it going.”

 

Peterson said he focused on little things this offseason that he believes will help improve his overall game.

 

“Just going out and running better routes,” he said. “Things like that. Having the right position and body language when you’re going to take on a block. Just little things like that really make a difference.”

 

Peterson said the arrival of Percy Harvin when he signs should help loosen things up on the offense because he’s another playmaker who defenses must account for.

 

“The potential is great,” he said. “We have the potential with the guys we have here to really make a defense switch up the scheme. Not able to stack the box and add that extra defender. Hopefully when the season comes around we won’t be getting that full box.”

 

Peterson was asked about ball security after he experienced some fumble problems last season.

 

“That’s all a mindset,” he said. ”Of course during running back drills you do ball security work, but it’s not something I think about. That really was my problem last year. I was thinking about it too much. I got caught up in it. It’s not something I’m really focusing on. I’ve been doing this since I was 7. I know to hold onto the ball so that’s what I’m going to do.”

 

Peterson also talked about his individual goals, specifically the 2,000-yard mark.

 

“It’s something I think about and dream about, but I don’t focus on it because you’ll never accomplish it that way,” he said. “That’s my bar. It will always be 2,000 or more. God willing and with the guys I have surrounding me, I’ll be able to accomplish that one day.”

 

What about NFL MVP?

 

“Oh yeah,” he said. “That fits into that category as far as my personal goals.”