When the Green Bay Packers face the Minnesota Vikings this weekend, running back Adrian Peterson will have a shot at history. That means the Packers have a shot at infamy, to a degree.
If he gains 208 yards, Peterson will surpass Eric Dickerson‘s single-season NFL rushing mark.
No chance, you say?
Well, Peterson had 210 against the Packers earlier this season, so he does have some kind of a chance. We don’t think it’s a very good one though.
The Packers played that earlier game without Clay Matthews and they’ve improved dramatically against the run since he’s returned. Plus, you know the Packers will be keenly aware of the record and focused on Peterson.
And since everyone’s asking, yeah, the Packers love Adrian Peterson. Here’s a sampling of how the Packers are drooling all over him.
“I mean, I respect Adrian Peterson a lot,” said cornerback Sam Shields. “He’s a great running back. But he’s a big threat. We need to stop him.”
“Oh man, he is a great running back. I can’t think of anyone better,” said Packers running back DuJuan Harris. “He’s been working, he just got back from the injury and that’s a great feat for him to accomplish – after that kind of injury.”
“He’s a great guy. I’ve gotten to know him outside of football,” said Packers linebacker Clay Matthews. “You’d love to see a guy who has worked so hard and has overcome so much to win that crown – but ultimately that is against our defense. I don’t think any of us want to see that happen. We’ll do our best to try and contain him. He’s a fantastic guy, he’ll make his plays, but let’s hope we don’t give up 200 yards again to him.”
“If anybody deserves to get the record, it’s definitely AP. No doubt about it,” said cornerback Tramon Williams. “But unfortunately, they’re playing us. We want to put our best foot forward. It’s going to be a tough task. We know that already.”
Have you ever heard the Packers polishing an opponent’s knob so much before a game before?
Neither have we.
At least they’ll be focused on him on Sunday. Our money says he doesn’t get the record.