Adrian Peterson's season has been dictated much by the struggles of the Minnesota Vikings. The running back declared in the offseason that he would be targeting the single-season rushing record and put up 2,000 yards on the ground. However, that task has been nearly impossible to achieve considering how bad the offense is struggling this year. Despite all of the criticism surrounding the Vikings, Peterson is offering up a voice of support for his quarterback and remaining teammates.
Peterson's words of positivity stem from comments made by Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson. The former NFL star told the Pioneer Press that Peterson needs to get on a team that has a successful quarterback. Until the Vikings trade him to a better team, he believes the running back will never have a chance at breaking the record. Peterson was asked to respond to the comments and naturally voiced his support for Christian Ponder.
"I actually have confidence in Christian Ponder," Peterson said, via FoxSports.com. "I don't feel like last week I was as consistent as I needed to be, but it doesn't show up as much because I'm not throwing the ball 30 times. When you're inconsistent at quarterback and you get it picked off, that stuff gets highlighted. As a running back, when you miss a hole, it gets overlooked at times. I'm not as critical of the quarterback position because I know how much comes with it and I know how much scrutiny comes with it and how they are viewed in the public eye."
Peterson reiterated the belief that Ponder gives the Vikings the best shot at winning over other quarterbacks like Matt Cassel and Josh Freeman simply because he has been in the system the longest and is the most comfortable with the offense.
The quarterback's season can be described as inconsistent at best. He put up 174 yards and two scores against the Washington Redskins, his best game this season. But, he then dislocated his shoulder and has struggled since his return. Now, Minnesota is 2-8 this year after putting together 10-6 season in 2012, making it to the postseason. Peterson is confident that Ponder can make a strong comeback against the Packers in Week 12.
"You can't base it off of last game," Peterson said. "I think he responded well when he came back and helped us get a win against Washington. He went out in that game with a dislocated shoulder, and I'm on the sideline like, 'Hey man, shoot, pop it in and get back in there.' Guys were trying to get him back in there. It's one of those things like when you're doing good everyone is with you, and when you're doing bad they're against you. That's just how it goes, unfortunately."
Peterson notes the team still has a strong desire to win games and turn the struggles around. He believes in the system put together by head coach Leslie Frazier and praises the effort by his teammates, despite the lack of wins.