Vikings running back Adrian Peterson came within 27 feet of breaking the single-season rushing record, set 28 years ago by Rams running back Eric Dickerson.
Peterson has a message for the man who didn’t want Adrian to best the mark of 2,105 yards: “I’m coming for you.”
That’s what Peterson told Peter King of SI.com on Sunday night, after King asked whether it hurts deep down that Peterson came up short in 2012.
“Yes,’' Peterson said. “Yes. Yes. The feeling is there. I understand the big picture, but the feeling is there. I wanted this.’'
For now, the playoff ticket the Vikings have punched has more value than the record, since until the Vikings lose the postseason berth represents the possibility of doing something the franchise never has done -- win a Super Bowl. But if the Vikings fall to the Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday night, the record would have had a much longer lasting impact.
Indeed, does anyone even remember whether the Rams made it to the postseason the year Dickerson set the record?
Something else that would be more permanent than a one-and-done postseason is an MVP award. “In my heart, I believe I’m the MVP,’' Peterson told King. “Whether I win it or not, I feel I’m the MVP.’'
We do, too. In 33 days, we’ll find out whether enough of the 50 Associated Press voters agree.