Why the Vikings Should Decrease Adrian Peterson’s Workload

April 18, 2011   ·   Ryan Lester   ·   Jump to comments

Adrian Peterson is a beast. Plain and simple. He has the power to run over you, the moves to run around you and the speed to run by you. He is 26 and a physical specimen. It’s tempting to hand him the ball 30 times a game and let him do his work. Still, I can’t help but think the Vikings would be better served reducing his workload.

"All Day" has averaged nearly 300 carries per season. He has also caught nearly 30 passes per year. While he has been relatively injury-free since coming into the league, all of those touches begin to take a toll on a physical runner like Peterson.  
Look at the lifeline of physical runners like Earl Campbell and Jamal Lewis. Their heavy workload and physical style decreased their shelf life. Even Shaun Alexander, who had a five-year run that rivals Peterson’s production, fell quickly off the map. LaDainian Tomlinson is an exception because he has a knack for avoiding the big hits.

I’m not saying Peterson is g...

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