Adrian Peterson making progress in learning to wait for plays t...

[rtpSPAL]

Brett Favre wrote:

There's a lot of talk going on about how Adrian Peterson is supposedly not as dominant this year.
I'll admit it doesn't seem like he's had as many long breakaway runs so far this year, but his stats do show him to be having a fine season:
Rookie year -- 1341 yds
Last year -- 1760 yds
This year, he's on pace for 1568 yds, right in between his two previous totals, but now with an offense that is so much more balanced and efficient. They're scoring more, and not having to rely so heavily on AP, something that bodes well for his long term durability.
He's also averaging 4.8 yds per carry this season, the exact number he finished with last year. With the same yards per carry average, he's obivously not doing any worse than last season -- he's just getting fewer carries per game.
I'm fine with that! I've read where some NFL insiders have blamed Larry Johnson's dropoff in production on his 2006 season, when he carried the ball 416 times. They believe he simply ruined his body through overuse that year, and has struggled ever since. Notice he cleared waivers this week with no offers from other teams.
Another point on Peterson - his 19 receptions this year are just 2 short of his season total last year, so while he's getting a few less carries per game, he's now adding about 2 more receptions per game.
I like the way the coaches are managing the most valuable (long term) player on this roster. Would like to see him stick around for a long, healthy career!

I agree with your observations; however, take notice of his demeanor. We've never seen anything but an upbeat, optimistic attitude from Peterson. During the GB game, after a short gain, while getting to his feet, with frustration and disgust he threw the ball upfield. The announcers didn't comment on it because it wasn't a particularly flamboyant act and it certainly didn't warrant a delay of game penalty. Reguardless, it appeared to be an act of frustration.

[Linda]

As John Wooden always said - "Be quick, but don't hurry" It worked out well for his teams -I;m sure it will work out well for AP

[Dave]

I think AP was best without his coaches....look what he did his first two years compared to what he is doing now. Before he exploded through cracks...now by going slow or being patient..the linebackers and the safeties have time to get to the line before he gets five yards deep....why would you want to mess around with his style when no one ran better than him....look at the results!!!

[MyBlueFord]

AP is going to be a monster when he matures more.. unstoppable!!

[inaz]

He's THEE PURPLE JESUS, leave him alone.

[Mark]

Adrian did well at Lambeau this year, and that's what we've been waiting for. As for Harvin, how about that vote where he was chosen over Sanchez for Rookie-of-the-Year?! It takes SOME play to beat out the next annointed Jets QB, so Percy can be proud. Skol Vikings.

[dch6859]

There it is in black and white - AP has only rushed for over 100 yards 2 times this season. What other statistic does one need to see to prove Klink and Butthead have PATHETIC offensive minds. Bieniemy says get upfield yet Klink refuses or is too stupid to come up with any plays exclusively for him to do that. Hand off deep in backfield, hand off deep in backfield. Klink is wasting his best years.

[Oh My Gosh]

Maybe offensive line should just hold their blocks longer! McKinnie is always just standing around! Tired of seeing that!

[Brett Favre]

Dave wrote:

I think AP was best without his coaches....look what he did his first two years compared to what he is doing now. Before he exploded through cracks...now by going slow or being patient..the linebackers and the safeties have time to get to the line before he gets five yards deep....why would you want to mess around with his style when no one ran better than him....look at the results!!!

Last year, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry. This year? Exactly 4.8 yards again.

He's also got two new offensive lineman, and is supposedly still sore from the ankle injury suffered in the Ravens game.

[Brett Favre]

dch6859 wrote:

There it is in black and white - AP has only rushed for over 100 yards 2 times this season. What other statistic does one need to see to prove Klink and Butthead have PATHETIC offensive minds. Bieniemy says get upfield yet Klink refuses or is too stupid to come up with any plays exclusively for him to do that. Hand off deep in backfield, hand off deep in backfield. Klink is wasting his best years.

He is on pace for 1,568 yards, and is 3rd in the league right now. That's MORE than he gained in his rookie year, and less than 200 yards shy of last year's total, when he won the league rushing title.

How much do you expect when the passing game is now accounting for so much more yardage than in previous years? Favre is on pace for nearly 4,000 yards this year. Yards taken away from the run game and gained in the pass game doesn't make the offensive coaches 'failures'. If anything, it makes them look SMART. Smart for not ruining Peterson by making him the sole weapon in a one dimensional offense like they used to have.

You should be happy with this. This more balanced attack will win more games (proven already this year), and Peterson will have a much longer career, healthier, and PRODUCTIVE career. What is your problem with that?

[eric113]

rtpSPAL wrote:

<quoted text>
I agree with your observations; however, take notice of his demeanor. We've never seen anything but an upbeat, optimistic attitude from Peterson. During the GB game, after a short gain, while getting to his feet, with frustration and disgust he threw the ball upfield. The announcers didn't comment on it because it wasn't a particularly flamboyant act and it certainly didn't warrant a delay of game penalty. Reguardless, it appeared to be an act of frustration.

How about when he ran over the Steeler defender (as I recall, by the name of Gay) and then howled at the end of the play? Indeed, this is the guy to have on the home team.

This is the year.

[eric113]

dch6859 wrote:

There it is in black and white - AP has only rushed for over 100 yards 2 times this season. What other statistic does one need to see to prove Klink and Butthead have PATHETIC offensive minds. Bieniemy says get upfield yet Klink refuses or is too stupid to come up with any plays exclusively for him to do that. Hand off deep in backfield, hand off deep in backfield. Klink is wasting his best years.

"douchbag 6895"-You don't need an offensive mind-these guys can do it on their own!

[dch6859]

You guys are missing my point. I'm not asking AP to have 40 carries or be the sole focus. The running game is boring/predictable/unimaginati ve. Hand off and run up the middle EVERY play. No draws, reverses, pitch outs, sweeps, etc. Nothing. Great teams like the Steelers shut him down on a game plan like that therefore Favre was forced to pass from the 9 yard line and look what happened, fumble by Favre returned for TD. This would not have happened if more diversity in the run game play calling.

[ERIE-PA FAN]

Joe wrote:

Its hard to beleive they are having so much trouble making yards in the red zone running behind the left side. It seems these guys are not getting the push for him. Whats up with this, it seems on the replays that some body keeps missing a key block or he would be gone. Maybe they are talking to the wrong people.

Actually Joe our red zone play this year has improved dramatically compared to the past two years, we are getting in the end zone a lot more, another big reason why we are 7-1.

[roots152]

Brett Favre wrote:

<quoted text>
He is on pace for 1,568 yards, and is 3rd in the league right now. That's MORE than he gained in his rookie year, and less than 200 yards shy of last year's total, when he won the league rushing title.
How much do you expect when the passing game is now accounting for so much more yardage than in previous years? Favre is on pace for nearly 4,000 yards this year. Yards taken away from the run game and gained in the pass game doesn't make the offensive coaches 'failures'. If anything, it makes them look SMART. Smart for not ruining Peterson by making him the sole weapon in a one dimensional offense like they used to have.
You should be happy with this. This more balanced attack will win more games (proven already this year), and Peterson will have a much longer career, healthier, and PRODUCTIVE career. What is your problem with that?

Also consider that Harvin's kick return domination means the team just doesn't have to go as far to score. That's got to come into play a little bit.

[Brett Favre]

roots152 wrote:

<quoted text>
Also consider that Harvin's kick return domination means the team just doesn't have to go as far to score. That's got to come into play a little bit.

Excellent point.

Second best in the league in starting field position, last I heard. Those extra yards have to come off of someone's total.

[kevin]

the first 8 games of the season we have faced 4 teams that run the 3-4 defense... with gb being one of them thats 5 3-4 defeses in 8 games.... that being said that defense first intention is to stop the run .... thats its main philosiphy.. you take out a DT and put in a extra linebacker to help stop the run..... the second half of the season we face detriot seattle the bears twice arizona carolina and the gaints... all run 4-3's adrian will get his this half of the season the bear games alone he will dominate.... he will if healthy put up total yrds this year compareable to last and maybe more...

[Gatoraide]

I've said it repeatedly & I stilll say it.. If it ain't broke,don't fix it! LET HIM ALONE...AP is losing, not gaing! He is getting stuffed AND discouraged. You can see it in his face Get OUT of"his ear"! Let him alone. Let him BE who he is. Let him be SPONTANEOUS. YOU ARE CONFUSING HIM. AP Doesen't NEED TO BE PATIENT....YOU ARE CAUSING him TO "THINK" INSTEAD OF RUN TO DAYLIGHT. Read Lombardi and then get out of the way before you totally RUIN this guy and sack the season for the Vikings because you are killing the double run-pass threat! PLUS you are throwing it all back on Brett. It is already looking like "desperation" instead of well-honed playmaking. THAT'S when mistakes are made, THAT'S when turnovers pop up to kill drives. THAT'S when stupid penalties start coming in platoons and....wooops, down the tubes. For the love of Pete, quit screwing around and let the guys play what they do BEST before the 2nd half of the season goes galley-west & you dudes blame Favre. GET REAL.. To blazes with "Benny, Adrain! Just grab the ball and do what you were born to do! See what I'm sayin'? I'll leave the light on for ya'!