Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson Aiming For 2,500 Yards In 2013
By Josh Sanchez
Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson fell just nine yards short of breaking the NFL’s all-time single-season rushing record that was set by Eric Dickerson. As you would expect, coming so close only to fall short of such a historical milestone left Peterson disappointed.
“It was a terrible feeling,” Peterson said. “I kind of figured I didn’t break the record. I kind of assumed maybe I was 30-40 away from it.
“When I heard nine, my heart just sunk into my stomach. (There were) 5-6-7 plays I was impatient or made the wrong read – I could have blew it out the water.”
Peterson still has some football left to play this postseason, but that hasn’t stopped him from looking ahead to 2013 and setting a goal for his production.
“I want to try to set the ball higher than that,” Peterson said. “I want to make it the 2,500 club. It’s definitely out there. I feel like it’s definitely attainable.”
Peterson closed his interview on NFL Network with Marshall Faulk by delivering this message to Dickerson: “Enjoy this last year because the record’s going down, with ease.”
If Peterson is focused, there is nothing to slow him down. A motivated Peterson defied all odds when he returned to the football field less than one year after major surgery to repair his injured knee. Peterson has outplayed any expectations and he has done so while putting together a MVP caliber season.
“It would mean a lot to win the MVP,” Peterson said. “I want to win it and I think I’ve worked hard enough, but it’s not going to define me.
“Inside, I’m my own MVP.”
And on the ballot, Peterson would be my MVP.
It is a pleasure to watch a player of Peterson’s skill level showing his talent on the field. If he is aiming for 2,500 yards in 2013, it is going to be an incredible sight to see.