Adrian Peterson First Game
Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson had 24 touches in Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. It was 11 more than any other player at Ford Field. And it wasn't nearly enough.
The Vikings ran 18 third-down plays and failed to convert 10 times, including four turnovers. Peterson, the team's best offensive player, touched the ball on third down twice! He emphatically converted both opportunities but was virtually invisible on the other 16 third downs, which did include one spike to kill the clock.
To make it worse, Peterson wasn't even on the field on several third downs, including a third-and-1 from the Detroit 25 on what had been an impressive game-opening march.
Moore had run 3 yards on an earlier third-and-1, but on this play, the Vikings got unnecessarily fancy and decided to pass to Moore in the right flat. It was one of too many questionable calls on third down.
Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, rolling to his right, forced a throw inside across his body to tight end Jim Kleinsasser. The ball was tipped by safety Gerald Alexander and intercepted by defensive tackle Shaun Cody.
It was the first of many mistakes that Jackson would make while throwing four interceptions and posting a 26.4 passer rating. The Vikings' coaching staff could have — no, should have — protected Jackson a lot better.
When it's third-and-1, give it to Peterson. Period.
Peterson blasted up the middle for a 5-yard gain on third-and-1 and set up the Vikings' first touchdown by taking a dump pass on third-and-4 at the Detroit 25, breaking three tackles before being dragged down at the 1.
Peterson had 20 carries for 66 yards and four catches for 52 yards. He also kept his ego in check when asked if he wanted the ball more on third down.
"That's my mentality, to want to go in and get the first down," Peterson said. "But we have other backs who can run. I feel comfortable with all the guys out there on third down that they'll get the first down also. I don't question the play-calling."
Jackson added: "We got to give him a rest sometime. Mewelde is an able back... We don't want to tire Peterson out."
He's 22 and stronger than a bull. Turn him loose and let T-Jack take him for a ride.