Column: Rookie plays like a veteran
Published Nov. 6, 2007
As the 2007 National Football League season turned nine weeks old this weekend, it appeared that quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots would continue to monopolize all the media attention. Brady has, after all, led his club to a perfect record, including a 24-20 win on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Simultaneously, he has begun to demolish every single-season passing record, and at this pace, he will likely win the league's Most Valuable Player award.
But looking a little more north in relatively unnoticed Minnesota, rookie running back Adrian Peterson has finally begun receiving the long overdue attention he deserves. Although he's not in the primetime limelight that follows Brady everywhere, Peterson has also been obliterating the competition and the record books.
Heralded as one of the best backs in college football only a couple of years ago, Peterson's expectations were lowered for his rookie season. He had been victim to two collarbone injuries at Oklahoma and faced an incumbent Vikings running unit that appeared to be too strong to afford any opportunities to a rookie. But Peterson has proved all his critics wrong.
Heading into last Sunday, Peterson had amassed 740 yards through seven games, averaging more than 100 yards a game and 20 more yards than last year's rushing champion, LaDainian Tomlinson. During the seven games, Peterson also posted multiple runs for more than 50 yards, six touchdowns and a 200-yard performance. And amazingly, all that seems insignificant compared to Peterson's game on Sunday.
Peterson ran for an NFL-record 296 yards on Sunday against Tomlinson's team, the San Diego Chargers. With only 30 attempts, Peterson averaged nearly 10 yards per carry and amassed three more touchdowns. His performance finally earned him the national interest not typically reserved for veterans.
Late in the game, it appeared that Peterson would fall just short of the record, as the coaching staff gave their prized rookie a rest in favor of backup Chester Taylor, who lost his job to Peterson early in the season. Taylor used the opportunity to find the end zone, but in the process, he took up three valuable minutes and left only four minutes and 26 seconds in the game.
With the opportunity to act like a rookie and show the world his disappointment with the coaching decision, Peterson acted more impressively than he had played. He demonstrated maturity beyond his years by being the first to congratulate Taylor. But Peterson's admirable behavior did not mean he was conceding the record. On his next drive, with less than two minutes left, Peterson ran for 35 yards and then three more to finally break the elusive mark of 295 formerly held by Jamal Lewis.
Peterson might not be as electric as Reggie Bush. He is not as vocal as Terrell Owens. He does not have the media clout of Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. But, in his own way, Adrian Peterson has forced himself into the headlines. Through maturity, perseverance and hard work, Peterson has established himself as a legitimate superstar. And judging by his progression each week, it appears he will be staying at the forefront for quite a while.
bmm34c@mizzou.edu