Minnesota Vikings 2010 Running Back Preview
Adrian Peterson
There are no questions about Adrian Peterson's talent. He may be
the best pure-runner in the game today. There are questions about
his team, his ability to hold onto the football and his rash of
minor injuries. The latter two are likely not going to change much,
but the question of his team is big. Whether or not Brett Farve
returns (which we believe he will) will have a great effect on Peterson's
stats.
First he is likely to run more if Farve doesn't return, but he would
likely score less, but worse for fantasy managers, he would likely
get less receptions. This was the one area where Peterson surprised
in 2009. He managed more receptions and yards (43 catches for 436
yards) than he did in his previous two seasons combined.
The other team question is its offensive line play. Going into 2009,
the Vikings were supposed to have one of the best O-lines in the
NFL. It was good, but it was also overrated, especially for run-blocking.
Left tackle Bryant McKinnie was a bust in 2009 and needs to take
a step back up in 2010. Steve Hutchinson, on the other hand, dominated
as expected. 2009 #2 pick Phil Loadholt played well and his growth
and McKinnie's play will determine how good this line really is.
Finally, the great backup/time-stealer, Chester Taylor, has moved
on to Chicago. The Vikings drafted running back Toby Gerhart with
their second pick to take Taylor's spot, nevertheless, this is small
advantage for Peterson in 2010.
2009 Statistics:
1,383 Yds - 18 TD's - 43 Rec - 436 Yds - 0 TD's
2010 Projection:
1,442 Yds - 16 TD's - 38 Rec - 378 Yds - 1 TD
