The Minnesota Vikings are a team on the rise and it is because they are going back to old fashion football. With the NFC North still up for grabs and a game against the Green Bay Packers on the horizon, the Vikings are planning on resorting to the way they used to play football which was riding the legs of Adrian Peterson. With the running back looking better than ever this season, do not expect Teddy Bridgewater to put the ball in the air too many times in Week 11.
Peterson is looking like an MVP candidate through 10 weeks of football. The running back is the main reason the Vikings are being considered playoff contenders as he has bailed out any chance of Bridgewater having a sophomore slump. Against the Oakland Raiders, Peterson had 203 yards of offense from 26 carries. That meant Bridgewater only tossed 22 passes while the most one receiver was targeted was four. Approaching a weaker run defense in the Packers, Peterson is expected to be the star of the show.
"That's something I take personal," Peterson said, via ESPN.com. "I guess there's something they see in the way I approach the game, things I have to say when I come off the field. It feels good. I have a job to do. When my number's called, I've been able to take advantage."
The rise of Peterson means players like Stefon Diggs and Mike Wallace are not getting as much production. In Week 10, Diggs was targeted twice for 46 yards while Wallace got two targets as well, completing one catch for 22 yards. That is not ideal for fantasy owners, but when the ground game is combining for 263 yards, there is no need for Bridgewater to throw as much. Head coach Mike Zimmer made it clear that the Vikings are sticking to a formula that is winning games which is running the ball. Peterson is not being featured because of distrust in the quarterback play.
"We trust him as a player," offensive coordinator Norv Turner said, via ESPN.com. "We trust that Teddy's going to make the right decisions. I think, for the most part, he does. I agree with Coach Zimmer that he needs to turn it loose. I do think, though, that there is a fine line. We've played some good defenses; our defense is playing unbelievable. We're not giving the defense the ball in plus territory by making mistakes. With a guy like Teddy, who we do really trust, you can take the shots, and if they're not there, check down; be smart, and not just force something."
Fans can expect much of the same in Week 11. Fantasy owners of Diggs and Wallace might want to eye other options this Sunday. The Vikings' offense will go through Peterson and continue to do so long as it is winning games.
