There is no question that the MVP of the 2015 season for the Minnesota Vikings was Adrian Peterson. The running back returned following almost a year layoff that included an NFL scandal to lead the league in rushing yards and propel the Minnesota Vikings into the playoffs. However, the Vikings have cause for concern as the running back missed practice with a back injury.
Peterson has been banged up this year, but has played through all of it. He dealt with ankle issues early on and overcame them. According to the official injury report from the team, Peterson sat out practice with a back injury suffered in the NFC North championship game. Peterson did miss time during the game for the injury, but returned to finish. According to NBC's Michele Tafoya, Peterson confirmed he will play against Seattle regardless of the issue. That is good news for Vikings' fans and Teddy Bridgewater who has benefitted from the stable run game. Peterson made it clear that he fully believes this team can do something special in the postseason as long as they remain balanced.
"Just continue to run the ball well," Peterson said, via ESPN.com. "Number one, I would say, 'Be physical.' Continue to run the ball well, and be able to pass the ball. I feel like we're balanced as an offense. We have the tools and the people in the right position to be able to accomplish anything."
The Vikings will need their best game to beat the Seattle Seahawks who have really come on as a dominant force in the second half of the season. Bridgewater cannot afford to make mistakes while the receivers will battle a tough secondary unit. Stefon Diggs has cooled off since his hot start to the year as he, Kyle Rudolph and Jarius Wright have paved the way all year. Lost in the shuffle has been Charles Johnson who was the breakout star in 2014. Johnson admits that he wished he could have done more this season and hopes to improve in the playoffs.
"I want to be part of it, no doubt," Johnson said, via ESPN.com. "Who would want a guy that's content with sitting on the sideline? I told them that -- 'I feel like I'm on a championship team, but I'm just on the ship.' I'm not doing anything to keep it going. Would you want a guy who's content with sitting on the bench, or a guy who's eager to get out there? It's just kind of the circumstances. We're winning, and I'm happy about it. I just wish I could do a little more. But I'd rather we win than be out there and we lose."
Getting Johnson going in the right direction will be critical for the Vikings who will need the playmakers on Sunday. The Seahawks defensive line is expected to be fully healthy come Sunday which will have a big impact on Peterson and company.