Adrian Peterson has a chance to be one of the best running backs in NFL history. (Un)Fortunately for Chicago Bears fans, Peterson’s rise to greatness has been at the expense of their favorite team. Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings make their annual pilgrimage for a week 2 match-up that could put the Vikings nearly out of playoff contention.
In 10 meetings against Chicago, A.P. has averaged 108.5 rushing yards per game and has 14 touchdowns. That is nothing short of awesome. Most fans remember his 224 yard effort against the Bears back in 2007. The Vikings won the game because of Peterson and his 3 touchdowns, but that game was also a glimpse into what fans could expect when “All Day” comes to town.
Adrian Peterson has gone over 200 yards rushing four times, with the last two being in 2012. His highest rushing total was 296 against the San Diego Chargers in 2007, less than a month after he torched the Bears. That total ranks as the most rushing yards in a game in league history.
Those numbers are special, especially after Adrian Peterson recovered in near miraculous fashion from a torn ACL to be ready for the 2012 season. His week 15 injury in 2011 appeared to have jeopardized the Vikings 2012 season, but A.P. recovered on a historical pace. His hard work and return make it very tough to not root for him or turn off the television if he is on.
While no Bears fan is going to be cheering on the team in purple when they pay a visit to Soldier Field Sunday, appreciate Adrian Peterson, as badmouthing or cursing his name would be a poor decision. Imagine fans across the league as they watched Walter Payton torch their team’s defense. Did they boo? Sure. Was there still an appreciation for “Sweetness?” No doubt.
As fans and admirers of America’s newest pastime, we should be doing the same for the best running back of this generation.
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