Adrian Peterson broke off for 199 crucial rushing yards in a 37-34 playoff-clinching victory over Green Bay. (Photo Courtesy of nydailynews.com)
The Minnesota Vikings finished the regular season 10-6 and playoff bound. They surprised everyone, even many of the players on the team, with their impressive play this season. Much of their success can be attributed to the amazing comeback of their star running back from a devastating knee injury just 371 days ago. Adrian Peterson finished the season with 2,097 yards, just 8 yards shy of Eric Dickerson’s all time single season rushing record. When asked about how close he was to breaking the record, Peterson said he had a “bittersweet feeling inside.”
“The first thing that came to my mind when I heard that was nine yards short was, ‘It is what it is. It wasn’t meant to happen,’” Peterson said after yesterday’s win against Green Bay. “Not to say it doesn’t hurt, because it does. But ultimately we came in here and accomplished the ultimate goal of getting a win and taking our team to the playoffs. I’m not going to think about it that much. I’ll still think about it a little bit, but ultimately it is what it is.”
When asked if he should receive the NFL’s MVP award this season over Peyton Manning, who has had an impressive comeback season of his own and led the Denver Broncos to the best record in the AFC, Peterson left no doubt as to how he thought.
“I can’t say I don’t want to [win the MVP],” he said, “just like I wanted to break the record. Either way, in my heart, I’m the MVP, and that’s all that matters.”
Not only in your heart, AP, but in all of Minnesota’s collective hearts. Your season has been nothing short of phenomenal. Hopefully, there are still a few more games for us all to enjoy this greatness. The season continues next Saturday with a rematch in Green Bay.
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