Getty ImagesIt’s easy to get caught up in Adrian Peterson’s pursuit of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. For starters, Peterson is a great guy. He’s also a rare talent. And he’s coming back from one of the worst injuries a running back can have.
But to finish the assault on Dickerson’s record will require Peterson to put up 506 yards in three games — and that’s something he’s never done in his six-year NFL career.
Before this season, Peterson came the closest to that feat in 2008, when he gained 454 yards in games against the Bears, Texans, and Packers. In his rookie season, Peterson churned up 438 yards versus the Chiefs, Packers, and Bears.
This year, however, Peterson has three different three-game stretches in which he has come closer than ever before to 506 yards. In his most recent three games, Peterson has 468 yards. In the three-game stretch that ended with a Week 13 loss to the Packers, Peterson rushed for 489 yards. And in Week Eight through Week 10, Peterson gained 476 yards.
So he’s having, without question, the best season of his career — and he has taken his production to a new level as of Week Seven, rushing for 1,001 yards in seven games. That’s an average of 143 yards per game.
If he continues that, he’ll definitely get to 2,000 yards. The question is whether he can kick it up just enough to get to 2,106.
Either way, Eric Dickerson should be nervous.
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As much as I love my Vikes and AP, I don’t c it. 2 good defenses that only have to gameplan for the run and 1 good team that can score 30 pts in a blink of an eye, so then they have to pass. Either way we’ll be cheering 4 u AP.
Dickerson should’ve been nervous the moment this guy entered the league. What a beast.
It’s been an up-and-down season for us here in Minnesota. But it’s been really fun watching NFL RB history unfold before our eyes. I’m old enough to remember Sayers, Riggins, Dickerson, Czonka, Kiick, Harris, Brown, Simpson, Sanders, Sweetness, and many others. AP is truly special.
He may not get quite there, he’s cemented himself as the top back in the league again.
This day in age, it’s rare when a top 10 hb is worth his draft slot…. And All Day is worth all that and more.
Gotta make the Raiders faithful sick knowing Crazy Al took JeMarcus over the best WR (megatron), best LT (Joe Thomas), best HB (All Day), Best MLB (Patrick Willis), and best cover corner (Revis) in football.
I love what Peterson is doing and I’m rooting for him to beat it in a time when running backs are being used less and less…but its sad to know that even if you have the BEST running back in the game and don’t have a decent QB you are not a contender…mabye if they had a different QB they would be in a strong position to win playoff games but oh well
I agree, it will be really tough. Especially with noodle armed Ponder throwing for less than 100 yds per game.
However, if anyone can do it… It’s Adrian.
Sick of hearing about this. Hey AP, why not talk about trying to get your team into the playoffs instead of personal records…
and to think he did it on one knee for almost two months in the first half of the season.
-TIGERS DRINK HIS BLOOD. AP is the most interesting man in the world-
He has worked so hard for this. I hope he gets it!
If he breaks the record, there would not be an award high enough to symbolize what he has done…
Walter Payton>Dickerson
AP>Dickerson
In the Vikes last 7 games AP has more yards than Christian Ponder. Part AP beastness, part Christian Ponder suckage.
As a packers fan, I have nothing but respect for this dude. He’s an absolute beast. Dominant player and by all accounts, a classy guy.
He is a beast . In the same mold as Brown and Payton . Imagine what his total yards would be if the Vikes hadnt brought Peterson along slowly the first 3 or 4 games this season .Dont think he will get Dickersons record but he will come close . Go Vikes
Go get it AP, make it yours!! The Vikes got your back!!
AP for MVP
I hope he breaks the record just so Eric will go away. The dude is on the home hunters TV show showing off his couch and his African art collection , tired of his ego, his record. He got canned from Monday Night Football for his ego. Please, Eric just go away. Run an inner city Pee Wee football team like Snoop Dogg does for the NFL ( Snoop pays the expenses 100 %.)
It’s kinda cool that Dickerson’s record will be kept at the top of the record books by his old team the Rams. That front seven is playing way too fast, they are quick on the outside and gang tackle with efficiency. The talk and media coverage ends this Sunday.
He ran for almost 300 yards vs the Chargers in ’08. I can’t believe his biggest 3 game total isn’t in that time frame. Crazy.
Peterson is the ultimate freak of nature in the physical sense — but he is also off the charts in terms of drive, character, self-motivation, heart and soul.
That stated, it’s still absolutely unreal how far sports injury medical care has advanced in the last 40 years.
Somewhere, the great Gale Sayers may have asked himself once or twice, “What if?”
A.D. Needs to get this one for Tek. E.D. Was a special back with a fluidity and grace that made it look like he was coasting. A.D. Does it the old fashioned smash you in the mouth if you are in the way or break your ankles with a shake. I’m a Redskins fan that has respect! A.D. NOT AP! All Day baby
“But to finish the assault on Dickerson’s record will require Peterson to put up 506 yards in three games — and that’s something he’s never done in his six-year NFL career.”
Until this season, AP had never rushed for over 100 yards in 7 consecutive games.
Until this season, AP had never never rushed for 1101 yards in a 7 game stretch.
Until this season, AP had never averaged over 157 yards in a 7 game stretch.
I don’t know if AP will get to 506 over the next 3, but I wouldn’t bet against him.
I just need a C note and a td in each of the next two games and my fantasy league championship is mine! C’mon AP!!!
I would think his chances would improve immensely if the Vikings had even an average Qb. Mr Noodle Arm does more than invite 9 defensive players into the box, he brings all 11.
It certainly would be something to see the Season Rushing, Receiving, and Sack records all fall in one season.
It’s a very talented league right now.
AP = Beast!
Not gonna happen; amazing comeback season, though.
The Vikes will feed the BEAST!! Bank on it!!