The Minnesota Vikings offense is in a state of rebuilding. Under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, the team is looking to switch things up with new personnel on the field. As the team continues a quarterback competition to replace former starter Christian Ponder, running back Adrian Peterson will once again be expected to be the constant for the unit. With new plays and players set, Peterson likes what he sees from the team so far in training camp.
Turner is installing a more aggressive offensive unit, one that sees Peterson playing a slightly different role than he is used to. Peterson admits he thought Minnesota's offense had become too predictable over the past few seasons and the results certainly showed that as the team struggled to score points last year. However, Peterson believes 2014 could be a better year for Minnesota.
"Let's call it what it is: I thought in the past, we've been predictable," Peterson said, via ESPN.com. "I'm sure you guys wrote stories about us being predictable the past seven years. You won't be able to write that story this year. That's pretty much all I'm saying. You won't be able to do that, because this offense is so versatile."
Under Leslie Frazier, Peterson says the offense was comfortable and overly conservative, but Turner is pushing passing plays and calls that get the running back out into space more. Peterson has been working on his receiving skills to meet the needs of Turner and he thinks the results will show on the field. However, fans might have to wait to see the new and improved Peterson until the actual season begins. The Vikings plan on holding the running back out of preseason games in order to avoid injury setbacks. Peterson does not believe it will be an issue.
"I wouldn't necessarily say that," Peterson said. "That's why you come out here and you practice. There's nothing like live, but as you know I practice like it's live. So I don't know. When that time comes around, we'll talk, and, hey, if they want me to go out there and play, you know, just like year one, when they sent me out, I was on the sideline ready to go. And I'll be ready to go."
The veteran likes what he sees out of quarterback Matt Cassel. Right now, head coach Mike Zimmer is having Cassel and rookie Teddy Bridgewater split first-team reps, but most assume the veteran will start for the Vikings for at least the start of the season. However, Bridgewater was brought on to be the future of the franchise and could end up seeing a significant amount of playing time as a result.
