Adrian Peterson Sets NFL Records, Minnesota Vikings Rookie Runs for 296 Yards

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

Adrian Peterson (see also “Adrian Peterson is Superman…”) broke two NFL records in Minnesota’s 35-17 win over San Diego today. First of all, he set the NFL’s single-game rushing record, previously held by Jamal Lewis, with 296 yards rushing. Secondly, because it was his second 200+ yard rushing effort this season, another NFL record was set for rookies.

Adrian’s nickname is AD (All Day) and it seemed that’s how long he could have run. The only thing stopping him was the game clock. It’s hard enough to run for 296 yards with nobody chasing you. The Chargers, I think, were trying to stop him. AD reached 1,036 yards rushing this season and is on a pace that would destroy Eric Dickerson’s rookie record of 1,808 yards set in 1983. Eric’s all-time record of 2,105 yards in 1984 is also within reach. This effort cements Adrian for NFL Rookie-of-the-Year honors.

Here’s what surprises me. Minnesota had third string QB Brooks Bollinger in for most of the game (Tarvaris Jackson went out with an injury) and is almost entirely one-dimensional. They’re first in rushing and third to last in passing. I’m stunned that teams don’t just load up the box and stop this guy. Because if you stop AD, you stop the Vikings. So far, not many teams have been able to accomplish that.