Through three games, the Minnesota Vikings are running the ball much more than they are throwing it. With Adrian Peterson back under center, Teddy Bridgewater is relying more heavily on handing the ball off over taking shots to receivers. With Peterson having almost a year of rest on his legs, it makes sense that the offense is going through him while the veteran is making it clear he is not requesting more carries despite reports saying otherwise.
Peterson picked up from his 31-yard performance in Week 1 to put together 260 yards in the past two games which the Vikings won. Minnesota likes the idea of running more than throwing right now as Bridgewater is struggling in that aspect at the moment. When asked if he has been requesting more carries after missing most of last season. Peterson denied the idea and says he simply does what offensive coordinator Norv Turner tells him.
"I don't request anything," Peterson said, via ESPN.com. "[Turner]'s been doing it a long time. He's a legend. He's made some good adjustments. I can't tell him what to do. He's been doing it a lot longer than me."
Peterson will be tested this week which means Bridgewater could be forced to throw more. The Vikings will be facing the league's top defense which has allowed just 248 yards rushing in total this season. The Broncos present a tought fron seven which means Peterson is going to put his fresh legs to the test.
"I don't care what you do; there's nothing like breaking away from guys, cutting on guys on a dime, you know, so I was able to get my legs back under me the past couple weeks. Do some extra conditioning to open my lungs up," Peterson said. "It's going to be a tough challenge for us, and we know that, up front. It's a challenge we're ready for."
The Vikings have the wide receivers to make up for a lack of a run game against Denver. Mike Wallace made it clear that he is ready when Bridgewater wants to throw. He understands that right now Peterson is dominating on the field so the Vikings turn to him, but the receivers are ready for passes thrown their way. Along with Wallace, Kyle Rudolph is making the most of being healthy while Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright want more targets. If Bridgewater is going to gain momentum throwing, this needs to be the week.
