Adrian Peterson working on catching the ball

Adrian Peterson is the best pure running back in the NFL and he’s working on improving a game that is already flawless int eh eyes of many. Peterson is beyond a solid running back but he’s working on his pass catching skills to make himself even more of a threat out of the backfield.

Today, 1500 ESPN talked about how Peterson could be a workhouse pass catcher in the new Norv Turner offensive system. HIs response was that the intense Peterson has been working this off-season on his own to improve his pass catching.

"“I have a pretty good idea. I kind of knew before when we hired him, just knowing his offensive style,” Peterson said to a question regarding Turner’s aerial offense."

Both Norv Turner and new head coach Mike Zimmer have raved about Peterson’s pass catching ability. Turner believes that Peterson can be an every down back. That will bode well for Peterson’s fantasy football owners. Peterson has been used almost exclusively as a runner since joining the NFL. The last time he saw any extensive work in the passing game was Brett Favre’s last season in the NFL in 2012 when he had 36 receptions for over 300 yards. Since then, Peterson has watched the Eagles’ McCoy tear up the NFC East as both a runner and a pass catcher.

If Peterson can adapt to this part of Turner’s offense he will become a huge threat to opposing defenses who will have to settle on linebacker coverage or use a safety to cover the fleet-footed ball carrier. Peterson has been the top fantasy football player selected the last few years in most traditional leagues and today’s acknowledgment of his off-season work will only continue that trend this season.