Adrian Peterson. Although there were times last season when Peterson was bottled up, even shut down, the fact that he is capable of setting a single-game rushing record is enough. Peterson should benefit from his first off-season as a pro, and if he stays healthy, should be better equipped for a 16-game season. Although he is playing a tough defensive division (even the Lions have a formidable defensive-line), he could be looking at a 1,500-yard year.
Reason #2:
Chester Taylor. These first two reasons actually work well together; if one goes down, the other is more than capable of taking over full-time. Taylor is the kind of running back that falls forward. The one that pushes the pile and spins off of hits for a couple more yards. Even when Peterson struggled last season, Taylor managed to keep defenses on their toes and pick up yardage. It will be interesting to see if the Vikings can get both on the field more often. Though neither would be an exceptional blocker for his partner, one of them (Peterson) will draw plenty of attention away from the other.
Reason #3:
Defensive line. This isn't all about Jared Allen. But he is key to the equation. With his presence the front four is suddenly about as frightening as any in the league. Although Allen is pegged as a pass rusher and Pat Williams as a run-stopper, both are above average in every aspect of their game, and with Kevin Williams in there, they will pose some ridiculous problems for opposing offensive lines. In the run game, Pat Williams must be double teamed, and even then, he is a smart enough and strong enough player that he can still disrupt plays. Allen cannot be played one-on-one in the passing game; he is too fast, too strong, and too wily for any tackle in the game. The player who stands to benefit most from all of this is Ray Edwards, who has improved with every game of his career, and will not see a double team for the next couple seasons.
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