Every blue moon, a once-in-a-generation running back graces us with his presence. First it was Jim Brown, combining power and grace in a way that truly wasn’t fair for the 11 men on the other side. Then there was Earl Campbell, who fought off and ran over defenders like they were prison guards trying to escort him to the electric chair. Then there was Sweetness, Walter Payton, a gliding gazelle who packed a surprising amount of power. Next, it was Barry Sanders, who was kinda like trying to catch a fly mid-air — with chopsticks. Now, it’s the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson.

If Eric Dickerson was an Atari, Purple Jesus is the PS3; his style is faster, more effortless, more jaw-dropping and definitely more vicious. This is what we love about football. How many of us have said that there will never be another Jim Brown? Yet, if Brown is the Michael Jordan of running backs, Peterson is the LeBron James. Not only does he possess the best moves and wheels of any current NFL running back, he also possesses unparalleled power. Even big bruisers like Brandon Jacobs and Michael “Burner” Turner don’t run over and stiff-arm defenders like All Day.

The evidence? Just check out this video of Peterson flattening the Steelers’ William Gay. It’s like you’re playing Madden and hit the truck stick perfectly (followed by a well-timed hurdle, pictured above). Dude really is like a human video game. And check out his crazy primal scream after the play. The Goose is right — dude is indeed a beast.