Getty ImagesAdrian Peterson opened the second half against the Packers in need of 11 yards to become the seventh man ever to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season.
It took him exactly one carry to get the milestone. Peterson sprinted 20 yards on his first touch of the third quarter, winding up with 2,009 yards on the season. That pushes him past O.J. Simpson, Chris Johnson and Terrell Davis into fourth place on the all-time list.
Peterson went for six yards on his next carry, leaving him 91 shy of Eric Dickerson’s all-time mark. It’s definitely in range, although the score will dictate just how many chances he gets.
The Packers have cut the Vikings lead to 20-17 already and they forced a punt after Peterson became a member of the 2,000-yard club. If they can grab the lead, the Vikings could find themselves having to rely on Christian Ponder more heavily with their playoff future on the line.
That’s probably not a great scenario for Peterson’s shot at the record or the Vikings’ shot at the playoffs.
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What a pleasant surprise he has been this year. I didn’t think he’d do anything of note fresh off that injury and all he has done is set his sights on ED’s yardage record. Well Done AD.
Adrian might have passed O.J. Simpson on the single season rushing yards list but I am not ready to say he is a better running back than the Juice.
Remember, the NFL only played 14 games in a season when the Juice ran loose.
As a Saints fan I hate the constant whining coming from Vikings fans. But I want to see AP get this. He deserves it.
The good thing is that all his yards have counted for something as the Vikings push for the playoffs this season – unlike Megatron and his massive garbage-time numbers in blowout losses.
I don’t really care who wins the game, I just want to see Peterson get the record. It is a great game though!
dalucks says: Dec 30, 2012 6:33 PM
Adrian might have passed O.J. Simpson on the single season rushing yards list but I am not ready to say he is a better running back than the Juice.
Remember, the NFL only played 14 games in a season when the Juice ran loose.
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Good thing they still keep track of rushing attempts. And they were virtually identical.
AP is unreal.
Congrats AP. You Sir, are a BEAST!
he is too good